The Formation of the 21 Azer Movement

By Dr. Mohammad Taqi Zehtabi

Thirty years have passed since the 21 Azer Movement. This movement represents the pinnacle of Iran’s liberation movements in general, and particularly of the national liberation movement, during and after World War II. Although the movement was labeled as separatist and portrayed as foreign-backed by both domestic and external opponents, the 21 Azer Movement was a natural and inevitable outcome of the Iranian liberation movements from the Constitutional Revolution to 1945. Contrary to accusations, this movement was not created through foreign intervention. It gradually emerged organically from social developments and reflected the will and aspirations of the people. To fully understand this movement, it is essential to examine its various dimensions.

How Was the 21 Azer Movement Formed?

In 1910, following the Atabak Park massacre, reactionary forces suppressed the democratic Constitutional Revolution and systematically eliminated its heroes in different regions. However, the idea of freedom and the presence of freedom fighters did not vanish. They awaited new opportunities to revive the constitution and complete the democratic revolution.

In 1921, such an opportunity arose as Tsarist Russia ceased to influence Iran's political landscape. This period witnessed significant uprisings led by revolutionary figures: the Khiabani Movement in Tabriz, the Jangal (Jungle) Movement in Gilan, and Colonel Mohammad Taqi Khan's uprising in Khorasan. Although these movements were crushed by reactionary forces, the ideals and activists of freedom persisted. Reza Shah, after assuming power, turned the constitution into a lifeless framework, persecuting freedom fighters and executing many in prisons.

Iran's freedom movements recognized Reza Shah as a British-created dictator disguised as a constitutionalist, oppressing the diverse peoples of Iran. With the onset of World War II, Iran faced the events of September 1941. The British deposed Reza Shah as easily as they had installed him. Though weakened, the reactionary system remained intact. The release of freedom fighters from prisons and their return from exile marked the beginning of a new phase for Iran's liberation movements.

These movements were led by veterans of the Constitutional Revolution and the uprisings of 1921. Social movements gained strength, and progressive thinkers resumed their activities. However, reactionary forces continued their operations covertly. They declared to the progressive forces:

"Let revolutionary forces withdraw, and we will show you what freedom and democracy mean."

This statement, cited by Pishevari in the Azerbaijan Newspaper on 30 Shahrivar (September 21), exemplifies the reactionaries' deceitful strategy.

Iran's role in the Allied victory against fascism raised hopes among freedom fighters. They underestimated the likelihood of a revived dictatorship. However, as the Allies moved closer to dividing Iran, reactionary forces launched severe attacks on freedom fighters.

On September 20, 1945, Pishevari wrote:

"Tehran is rapidly moving toward reactionary forces. They aim to replicate the tragedy of Greece's people for us. Parliament, government, and the press have fallen into the hands of corrupt individuals who impose their policies through violence and deceit. Forces working under the guise of freedom and democracy are being systematically destroyed."

He continued:

"Immediately after the war, reactionary elements began resurrecting the principles of dictatorship and tyranny that had plagued us for 20 years. Have the promises of the Atlantic Charter and the resolutions of the Potsdam Conference been rendered meaningless for Iran?"

Despite this betrayal, Azerbaijan's people demanded their right to self-determination, as recognized by the Atlantic Charter. Through significant sacrifices, they sought to revive constitutional law and ensure their freedom.

The Formation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Party

In early 1945, progressive forces from across Iran gathered in Tabriz, forming the Azerbaijan Democratic Party on September 12. Many of the party's founders and leaders were veterans of the Constitutional Revolution, the Khiabani Uprising, the Jangal Movement, and the Group of 53. Among these individuals were notable figures such as:

• Haji Azim Khan (brother of Sattar Khan)
• Nezam-ol-Doleh Rafiee (member of the Constitutional Assembly)
• Mojtahed al-Doleh (member of Azerbaijan’s Constitutional Assembly)
• Mir Jafar Pishevari (active leader of the Jangal Movement)
• Mirza Noorollah Khan Yekani (a prominent leader of the Constitutional Revolution)
• Bahrami of Marand (participant in the Khiabani Uprising)
• Ali Fetrat (Constitutionalist poet)
• Ali Qahramani (leader of Sattar Khan’s cavalry and a revolutionary in the Khiabani Uprising)

These individuals, alongside others from various regions of Azerbaijan, played prominent roles in the party.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Party was formed to revive the constitution, ensure freedom and democracy, secure the rights of the people, and prevent the resurgence of dictatorship. Although foreign forces attempted to exploit revolutionary movements for their own interests, the grassroots nature of the Azerbaijan Democratic Party and the 21 Azer Movement remained unshaken.

This movement was not an exception to the principle that no revolutionary action occurs without external forces attempting to interfere. Nevertheless, such external attempts cannot undermine the people's role in shaping their movements.

How Was the 21 Azer Movement Established?

Considering the socio-political conditions in Iran mentioned above, on the 12th of Shahrivar in 1944, a statement consisting of 12 articles was published. This marked the establishment and beginning of activity for the Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP). This statement articulated slogans based on the economic, social, cultural, and national needs of Azerbaijan.

The statement was signed by 48 individuals, although some later withdrew their support. Within less than a month, the Azerbaijan Workers’ Union and the Azerbaijan and Zanjan branches of the Tudeh Party of Iran joined the movement. Thus, in a short period, the party became one of the most powerful and influential social organizations in Azerbaijan.

The core objectives of this statement and the party were summarized by the late Pishevari during the conference of Azerbaijani intellectuals on the 24th of Ordibehesht 1946 as follows:
"Within the framework of Iran's independence and territorial integrity, we seek to take control of our internal affairs, manage our local governance independently, and advance our national culture in our mother tongue to a progressive and modern state."
(Source: 21 Azer Newspaper, Page 30)

The party aimed to implement the governance of Azerbaijan by Azerbaijanis through the establishment of provincial councils, which formed one of the foundational pillars of the ADP's constitution. Accordingly, the party requested permission from Tehran to establish these councils. However, the Sadralashraf Cabinet rejected this proposal in Mehr of that year and resorted to serious repression in Azerbaijan.

This clarified that Tehran would not grant Azerbaijan its legal rights through peaceful means. The party, therefore, had no choice but to act independently. As Pishevari stated, "Our people must follow the path pursued by their leaders in Tehran before the Sardari Millat (Leader of the Nation) arrived and emulate their approach." (Source: 21 Azer Newspaper, Page 149)

In this context, the party could not limit itself to advocating for provincial councils. It required organizations capable of fulfilling the people's aspirations. Thus, popular conferences were convened, and the people were addressed directly.

During these conferences, resolutions signed by tens of thousands of individuals were adopted. These resolutions, demanding the establishment of autonomy and national governance to ensure national liberation, were sent to Tehran in waves and eventually reached Tabriz. The party could not ignore these strong popular demands and had to respond to them swiftly.

Consequently, on the 29th of Aban, a popular assembly was formed, calling itself the Constituent Assembly, to implement the wishes of the popular conferences and centralize the people's voice. (Source: 21 Azer Newspaper, Page 22)

This assembly, consisting of approximately 240 representatives, met at the Shir-o-Khorshid Hall in Tabriz. It laid the foundation for national governance and immediately decided to call for the convening of a national parliament. Elections for this parliament were held on the first day of Azer.

At this time, the Tehran government sent "Bayati" to Tabriz. Bayati agreed to the establishment of a provincial council, provided it would eventually approve the parliament. However, this was done without gaining much attention. The party continued its activities.

On the 21st of Azer, the national parliament convened, and the national government was officially established. Alongside its efforts to create formal governmental institutions, the party also focused on consolidating its foundation. For instance, on the 9th of Mehr, the party held its first congress, during which its platform and charter were approved.

The 21st of Azer in 24 [1945] was one of the most significant and emotional days in our people's history. Those who witnessed it recall that on that day, while a national parliament was being inaugurated in one part of the city, negotiations were ongoing between the army commander, General Derakhshani, and the resistance forces surrounding the army in Tabriz to ensure its surrender without bloodshed.

How Was the Fedayi Force Formed?

The Democratic Party of Azerbaijan understood that establishing a government structure would not be possible as long as the Tehran military was present in Tabriz. Therefore, alongside forming a national government, the party thought about having an armed force to support this government and took actions in this regard. This raises questions for readers: Who were the Fedayi forces? How was the Fedayi organization established?

In September 1941, as Reza Shah fled and the Iranian army disbanded, many weapons fell into the hands of the villages of Azerbaijan. Conflicts arose between landlords and villagers. These disputes intensified over time. The provincial committee of the Tudeh Party of Azerbaijan, with the support of the provincial governor, Mr. Nikkhah, issued a directive regarding the abolition of the sharecropping system, which favored landlords. The directive was duplicated and distributed to all villages by the provincial committee of the Tudeh Party of Iran. This action further intensified the clashes between landlords and villagers. Consequently, on the eve of the establishment of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, all prisons in Azerbaijan were filled with villagers. Complaints from the villagers reached such a point that, in the summer of 1945, the central committee of the Tudeh Party of Iran sent Esfahan lawyer Morteza Ravandi to Tabriz to defend these imprisoned villagers in court.

During this time, as the Tehran government increased its pressure on the villagers, their discontent grew. When the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan was formed, the villages of Azerbaijan were in this state. The Fedayi forces consisted of these discontented villagers, and the Fedayi organization was created by them. The role of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan was to organize these dissatisfied villagers and direct them toward a specific goal through its members. The late Pishevari stated about the formation of the Fedayi forces:

“Much has been said about these Fedayi groups. The Fedayi organization naturally emerged during the popular movement. While the villagers took up arms to defend themselves against the gendarmerie’s oppression, the Democratic Party’s local organizations and heroic leaders played a vital role in organizing and directing this movement toward a correct goal. Despite harsh criticisms and severe attacks, they tirelessly worked to organize the people and place the Fedayi forces under the leadership of trusted members of the party. Ultimately, a movement that began among the people surrounded the entire country and forced Tehran's reactionary military to kneel before our national power.” (Pishevari, 21 Azer newspaper, p. 64)

The Fedayi organization was a large armed group that formed in major regions of Azerbaijan during a time of severe reactionary assaults. It is one of the great honors of our people and the 21 Azer movement that no one betrayed during the formation of the Fedayi organization. The late Pishevari stated on October 17, 1946:

“Today, we take pride in establishing an armed Fedayi organization in Azerbaijan during difficult times when reactionary forces dominated. Not a single individual from this group committed treason.” (Pishevari, 21 Azer newspaper, p. 128)

Indeed, the Fedayi force and its heroic movements were legitimate responses to the economic and national oppression imposed by Tehran, its gendarmes, and state officials on Azerbaijan. Just as the oppression of Mohammad Ali Shah led people to form armed Mujahid groups, the same can be said for the emergence of the Fedayi forces.

The 21 Azer Movement: The Beginning of Iran's Liberation

The monarchy regime labeled the first 21 Azer movement as separatist, and many continue to repeat this claim. Was the 21 Azer movement truly aimed at separating Azerbaijan from Iran? A thorough review of all documents and writings of the Democratic Party during that period and all of Pishevari’s articles and speeches reveal that the party’s demands were within the framework of Iran's unity. The first article of the 12 Shahrivar submission, the first official document of the Democratic Party in 1945, also emphasized this point. The available documents on this matter are abundant.

It should be noted that in its initial phase, the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan aimed to create a stronghold and center in Azerbaijan to liberate the entire country. On September 12, 1945, the late Pishevari wrote: “History has entrusted us with a great responsibility. We must establish an unshakable bastion of freedom in Azerbaijan.”

After succeeding in this mission, the party began its second phase of activities, focusing on liberating all of Iran. From the outset, the party's goal was to free all of Iran from dictatorship and subjugation. On October 1, 1945, Pishevari wrote: “In one of our articles, we stated that if Tehran aligns itself with reactionary forces, we will ensure our freedom independently. That was just the beginning of our efforts. Now that our power has grown, we boldly declare that if Tehran refuses to change its course, we must force it to do so.” (Selected Works of Pishevari, p. 224)

The 21 Azer Movement and Other Nations of Iran

The fundamental issue in the 21st Azer movement was the question of national rights, but it was not only about the national rights of the Azerbaijanis and Turkish people of Iran; it was for all the people of Iran. In other words, on one hand, the movement called for the establishment of freedom and democracy in Iran with the support of the freedom-loving forces, and on the other hand, the oppressed nations, such as Azerbaijan, sought to claim their own national rights, which was an act of resistance against the regime. This was because the leaders of the movement had experienced the pain of national oppression and understood well that, in a multiethnic Iran, national power had a significant influence. They knew that the solution to the oppression of the Iranian people, like that of Azerbaijanis, would be found through collective action and unity, which could challenge the reactionary forces of Iran. The cooperation and solidarity between the Kurdish people and the movement proved this truth in practice. The movement was not only concerned with the rights of the Kurdish nation but considered it a cause for all oppressed Iranian nations. However, it should be noted with regret that, at the time, the national consciousness of other oppressed Iranian nations was not at the necessary level. As the late Pishavari once emphasized in his writing on December 8, 1324, he stated: “We do not consider any nation or group as our enemy, and we wish to live and progress freely without opposing the progress of others. We oppose any actions that aim to harm the freedom and independence of the Iranian people, such as the treacherous acts of the Tehran reactionary government. We seek to end the oppression and colonialism faced by oppressed nations, including Azerbaijan, and sincerely desire their liberation. We wish to unite these nations and help them achieve democratic and national liberation.”

Pishavari emphasized that the Azerbaijanis had always defended the independence and territorial integrity of Iran. They had always done so with pride, and would continue to do so when necessary. However, they would never give up on their national identity, language, and cultural characteristics. The Azerbaijanis and all Iranian Turks considered Iran their home and had always struggled for equal rights. As Pishavari pointed out, no one had been able to suppress the rights of the Azerbaijanis or the Iranian Turks to their language and identity, even though more than six hundred years had passed since their last conquest. They were fighting for the freedom and development of their own language and culture, and they had the right to do so.

The 21 Azer Movement had the ultimate goal of establishing freedom, democracy, and constitutional law throughout Iran. In line with the international spirit of the revolution, the national question was at its core. This made the movement well-known worldwide. The issue of language and nationality became central, as Iran was made up of many nations that had long been deprived of their language rights and cultural identity. This made it essential for the Iranian people to live freely, use their own language, and have the right to manage their own affairs.

The 21 Azer Movement and the Peoples of the World

After the Second World War, the 21Azer movement became the first national liberation movement in the world to gain victory. It captured the attention of people across the world. If one looks at the pages of the Azerbaijan newspaper from the years 1324-1325, it is evident that social and political organizations in France and other European countries sent congratulatory telegrams to the movement. During this time, people in the East and Africa, particularly those in the Middle East, were living under the harsh conditions of despotism and imperialism. Among these, freedom-loving individuals from countries such as Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, and others expressed their admiration for the 21 Azer Movement. They viewed the movement as a source of inspiration and hoped it would influence their own struggles for freedom. The 21Azer Movement had a profound impact on the spirits of these peoples, contributing to the strengthening of their resistance movements.

What did the National Government do?

For more than a year, the National Government carried out significant social work. In contrast, the Tehran government had not carried out any of the tasks that it should have been doing in Azerbaijan for that entire year. It should also be noted that reforms require funding. However, when the National Government came into power, it started work right away. Because of the faction's opposition to the government, Azerbaijan's banks had not been able to collect much money for over a week by December 12. The Tehran government took advantage of this opportunity and withdrew cash from the banks in Tabriz. When the banks were handed over, the state bank had two million and one hundred thousand Toman, while other banks had only half a million Toman. In return, the banks were in debt to the people by ten million Toman. Additionally, the National Government gave workers an extra one million Toman in salaries from the Azer month. This shows that when the National Government came into power, it started work immediately. As a result, all of Azerbaijan’s villages and cities became prosperous, improving in terms of economy, education, work, and other aspects.

As a result, only 200 people remained from the entire population of Tabriz, and many Azerbaijani families were forced to move to other parts of Iran to support themselves. One of the major achievements of the 21 Azer movement was that it prevented the destruction and annihilation of Azerbaijan. This destruction, imposed by the Tehran government and Reza Shah, was an extension of the punishments and rewards given to Azerbaijan following the Constitutional Revolution and the street uprisings.

In other words, after thirty years of deliberate destruction imposed on Azerbaijan by Tehran, the National Government was formed and became active. However, it was through the people's efforts and support that the National Government began its work, achieving fair taxation, creating public factories, and improving other important resources during its four to five months in power.

Azerbaijan's National Situation in a State of Bankruptcy

When the late Pishavari was the Prime Minister, during the second session of the National Assembly on the 16th of Farvardin, 1325 (April 5, 1946), he stated:

"Today, on the 16th of Farvardin, we no longer face a financial crisis. We know that if we have money, we can achieve great success; our debts are now organized, and our budget is balanced." Pishavari's chosen works were 350.

It is not possible to show all the reforms carried out in different sectors under the National Government. However, the most significant ones are mentioned here. Regarding agriculture and rural life, during the period of the National Government, all vacant lands and the lands of the enemies of Azerbaijan who had fled were distributed among the villages. To expand agriculture, seeds and material support were provided to the villagers. The Sufis began preparing a model and research center for agricultural studies. Just laws and fair relations between landowners and villagers were established. In the industrial sector, many factories in different cities of Azerbaijan that had been abandoned were revived with serious assistance from the National Government. A large portion of the unemployed population was provided with work, and the economy of Azerbaijan was revitalized, creating strong foundations for the future.

The National Government allowed the export of dry fruits and other agricultural products under the condition that the exporters bring in essential goods required by the country. Before the 21 Azer Movement, there were only 20-bed hospitals in Azerbaijan. During the rule of the faction, in the course of a year, 20 new hospitals with 800 beds were opened. The efforts of the National Government in the fields of language, culture, and civilization were far superior to the works carried out by the Tehran government in Azerbaijan over the past 50 years. During that year, Tabriz University was founded and began operating in its native language. The foundation of its campus was established. In that year, Azerbaijani folklore, singers, and musical masters presented performances in their native language, and a theater was founded based on these performances, later forming the official government theater, which successfully staged performances in the native language. During this time, even in newly established Tabriz University, lessons were held in the native language.

During this period, textbooks in the native language were prepared and printed for most elementary school classes and were distributed freely to children. The National Government started operating radio services. In Azerbaijan and Zanjan, Turkish became the official government language. As a result, in this one year, the development and beauty of the Azerbaijani language surpassed that of previous centuries. Hundreds of poets, writers, and journalists emerged. The rapid development of the literature of our language was recognized in Tabriz with the arrival of governmental figures from Tehran.

On the 22nd of Azer, 1325 (December 13, 1946), the officials sent from Tehran burned books printed in the native language that were distributed in the streets of Tabriz. The people of Azerbaijan, their language, and literature will never forget this brutal act of desecration.

During the National Government’s time, streets in Tabriz, Zanjan, Ardabil, Urmia, Maragheh, and other cities of Azerbaijan were asphalted. Many libraries and social and civil institutions were established. The construction of social buildings began in these cities. The foundation of the Tabriz sewage system was laid, and a plan was created to ensure that "Sivan" tea was brought to Tabriz.

The National Government and the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan emphasized the education of future generations. The late Pishavari, in the message sent to the first congress of young Democrats held on the 15th of Tir (July 6, 1946), wrote:

"Our youth is our future, and we always look at them with hope. If their education follows the right path, we will all be happy."

Under the leadership of the youth organization, children's organizations were established in every part of Azerbaijan, and thousands of children united under these organizations. The goals of the 21 Azer Movement and the National Government, established under the leadership of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, in just one year, cannot be covered in a single article. This movement was a great event in the history of Azerbaijan, and many writings have been, and will be, produced about it. The 21st Azer Movement, along with the Kurdish Movement, carried out significant revolutionary activities. After the Soviet Union's departure, the National Government became more active, and the revolutionary spirit of the people of Azerbaijan revived with new hopes.

During those days, no one in Azerbaijan could imagine the high revolutionary spirit of the children of the late Sattar Khan. During the 21st Azer Movement, a new Fadai group was formed under the orders of the central committee and the late Pishavari. I personally participated in this Fadai group. The training sessions for the Fadai were organized systematically in training fields.

In those days, all neighborhoods in Tabriz were transformed into large military training fields. Many women and girls participated in these drills. I last saw the late Pishavari in the early morning of Azer 1324 (December 1945) at the headquarters of the central committee. He was visibly fatigued and angry, and his condition was evident as he stood in a dark alley, disappointed. "How are the workers doing?" he asked. He did not wish to surrender. He added, "We must send people to Urmia." I never saw him again after that.

Later that evening, young people from the central committee called to inform me that there was a meeting in front of the faction's headquarters. I went there expecting Pishavari to speak, but there was no news from him. In a meeting with other central committee members, I was informed that no one knew when Pishavari had been detained or by whom. After the Soviet Union's withdrawal, Pishavari made efforts to return to Iran but passed away before he could do so.

There are many untold stories behind the circumstances surrounding the late Pishaver's departure from Iran. His attempts to return and the fact that he died while trying, without his efforts being realized, reveal the complexity of these events.

Original text in Turkish (Arabic script).