These days, a hot discussion between Azerbaijani and anti- Azerbaijani sites is the formed Turkic Regions faction in Islamic Iran Parliament which has been signed by more than one hundred Iranian lawmaker. This new parliamentary group reflected many interpretations worldwide. Undoubtedly, the pros of this Parliamentary group cannot be ignored in regards to the affairs of Iranian Turks but the most important issue is the possible consequences of this newly formed party. I refer to some cases in this regard:

The establishment of this faction of Turkic regions put an end to the denial of cultural identity towards Iranian Turks. For near a century Iranian Turks has been denied or ignored. Although all Turk members of the Parliament had not signed the document, but this document signed by more than a hundred representatives indicates that Turks form a majority of the population (minimum 40%).

• The Iranian government knows better than anyone about the movements of

national identity among the censored nation of Iran, especially among Turk regions. Therefore, the government wants to seize this movement or at least control it.

• Undoubtedly, national movement of Azerbaijan in the post-Soviet period have

had a significant impact on the majority of Turk societies in Iran. Therefore, the ruling class with knowledge of this matter tries to minimize the impact of the national movement of Azerbaijan and wants to represent Turks in ways that does not reflect reality. Such as providing Azerbaijani Turkish lessons with Tabriz dialect in universities and not the dialect of the standard Azerbaijan Turkish.

• Complex situation in Middle East is likely that has created ideas among public

officials that Iran may also undergo internal crises in the not too distant future and which would raise unwanted international attention like what happened in Syria and Iraq. The government is hoping to be able to control these national movement of Azerbaijani people through this newly formed party.

• One thing that should not be lost sight of is the next year’s presidential election in Iran. The national days of Cyrus King and the establishment of this party for Turks can be a tool for people to participate in the upcoming election. Of course, considering that both of these issue have been introduced by President Rouhani, it be an instrument to encourage people to vote.

In the end, I need to emphasize that although national movement of Azerbaijan had emphasis on being civil and peaceful but given the volatile situation in the Middle East, it is likely that this would be subject changes. As a result, the public officials should be ready to take necessary steps towards making reforms regarding this issue.

HAmzeh Arbabi – Nov 5, 2016