Publication at Faculty of Social Sciences |
2011
Abstract
The present article deals with the issue of identity of the Azeris of Iran, who constitute the large ethnic minority of the islamic republic. While the more pious part of Azeri population tends to identify themselves with idea of Iranian statehood and even with paniranist ideology, the secularists see themselves as a branch of Turkish/Turkic ethnos and seek more cultural rights for their minority.
The most radical part of them even call for autonomy or secession of Azeri-populated regions of Iran. Since the dissent with the islamic regime is growing among the Iranians in general, it is very likely that the secularism accompanied with nationalism will strengthen amnong Iranian Azeris in future.