Omid Shokri – April 23, 2008
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Joint Issue of Azerbaijani Student Journals Across the Country. |
Abstract
This paper examines the emergence, evolution, and contemporary practices of Azerbaijani student journals in Iran, tracing their origins to the late 1990s with publications such as Chichak, Oyrenji, Araz, Yarpagh, Dan Ulduz, and Bayqush. Two generations of journals are identified: the first, emerging around the initial Azerbaijani student journals festival, focused on regional and national identity, language rights, historical and literary topics, political critiques, and collective identity; the second built on these foundations, expanding into globalization, human rights, regional cultures, economy, and literary and translation activities.
Student journal festivals and competitions played a crucial role in improving quality, visibility, editorial form, and thematic breadth, while fostering organizational structures and professional networks and the formation of associations defending legal and professional rights. The shift toward electronic publications, cyber-journalism, and blogs provides immediacy, interactivity, and lower costs, supporting cultural preservation and countering censorship despite challenges such as limited internet access, design constraints, and hegemonic pressures.
Keywords: Azerbaijani Student Journals; Identity; Student Publications; Student Festivals; Electronic Journalism; Globalization; Language Rights; Turkish; Iran.
Introduction
The slogan of French students, who in May 1960 ignited the student movement worldwide, was: “Be rational, demand the impossible.”
With the end of the imposed war and the beginning of the so-called Reconstruction Era in the country, a new period also began within universities. Although student activities at that time lacked an independent intellectual framework and were marked by stagnation, with the gradual decline of this stagnation in the early 1990s, conditions became somewhat more favorable for student engagement.
The Azerbaijani student movement began its activities in 1989, seriously, independently, and in isolation, without reliance on any power source—depending only on its faith and its own people. Perhaps the main activities of the Azerbaijani student movement in the early 1990s and thereafter can be summarized as follows: widespread protests against Armenian atrocities in the Karabakh region and the occupation of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s territory (which was met with the meaningful silence of Iran’s state media, national press, and political sphere); demonstrations by Azerbaijani students in Tehran in front of the Armenian Embassy; holding Q&A sessions with representatives of the Azerbaijani region during the separation of Ardabil from Azerbaijan’s body; Q&A sessions with cultural and political activists; organizing cultural events such as poetry nights and book/photo exhibitions; and commemorating various occasions.
Looking back at contemporary history and even earlier, it can be seen that spontaneous movements in Azerbaijan—such as those of Sheikh Mohammad Khiabani and Sattar Khan—always drew their strength from the people, and without their support, any movement was doomed to failure. Fortunately, with its independent intellectual framework, the student movement became a national movement welcomed by the masses.
The Student Movement in Iran and Azerbaijan
The Iranian student movement resumed its activities in 1993, which was four years later than the Azerbaijani student movement. The Iranian student movement, after a period of stagnation, was reactivated by government officials’ invitation, whereas the Azerbaijani student movement entered the intellectual scene out of national interest and duty. The essence of the Azerbaijani student movement is independent, grassroots, and spontaneous.
Student Publications: The Tribune of the Student Movement
A student publication, as a professional outlet, seeks to reflect the demands and key concerns of students. In this context, publishing discussions on the student’s role, responsibilities, and devoting columns to student questions plays an important role. These publications pay special attention in topic selection to the general needs and doubts of students in social, political, cultural, and religious fields.
The language of these publications must be the student’s language. A distinctive written student colloquial culture has been promoted within them—a blend of student wit and intelligence, youthful excitement, free spirit, and a delicate social humor, which should be reflected in most of their writings.
In terms of appearance, student publications must also follow their own style and gradually create a recognizable format so that the term “student publication” itself evokes a unique identity in the press. Moreover, the frequency of publication is important: the shorter the interval between issues, the stronger the connection between the publication and its readership.
Student thinking is critical—questioning everything that seems out of place, and asking “why.” Student publications, too, are filled with countless “whys.” Considering these parameters, one can conclude that Azerbaijani student publications, which are published in various universities, are comprehensive: they raise numerous questions for readers. It would be unfair not to regard them as the distilled expression of the Azerbaijani people’s critical thought.
The characteristics of Azerbaijani student publications stem from the characteristics of Azerbaijani students themselves. Their pure, transparent, and free-thinking outlook shapes the content. Alongside addressing university matters, they devote special attention to cultural, social, and political issues concerning Azerbaijan. These publications, by raising questions and offering analyses on issues overlooked by both local and national officials, can take the initiative in offering solutions. After all, an informed Azerbaijani student knows far more about the region’s problems than any non-local official.
Among the issues these publications could address are:
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Azerbaijan’s Economy – Given the existing potential, how can Azerbaijan’s dire economic situation be improved? (Economics/Management)
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Social Problems in Azerbaijan – Divorce, high unemployment, and drug addiction: how can these issues, in the context of Azerbaijani customs and traditions, be prevented? (Social Sciences)
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Practical Methods for Prevention and Treatment of Local Diseases – The highest mortality rate in Azerbaijan is from stomach cancer. (Medicine)
And dozens of other questions encompassing nearly every academic discipline.
These publications, in the absence of official tribunes, serve as a bridge between the people and the state. Besides informing, audience research is essential—through it, as well as active participation in conferences and festivals, publications can identify their readers’ real needs, whether political, economic, social, or even recreational. Azerbaijani student publications play a vital role in political events and social changes in voicing and pursuing the rights and demands of the Azerbaijani people. Since their audience is mainly young and educated, they can either encourage political participation or foster apathy—or even channel youth toward specific groups or organizations.
At present, despite their growing numbers, these publications lack thematic diversity, often repeating the same issues. Because many articles share the same sources, readers—who often already have relatively easy access to such materials—may not find much added value.
A key factor that enhances an article’s value is its references. Naturally, strong articles raise the overall quality of a publication. What is crucial here is that journalism deals with realities—but realities are expressed in words, in whatever language or dialect. A journalist without mastery of language cannot hope to influence readers. This shows the importance of linguistic competence.
Mastery of multiple languages enables access to broader sources, better reporting, and opens pathways for specialization. Specialization allows for better use of energy, time, and human expertise, and raises quality.
Another weakness in Azerbaijani student publications stems from the lack of clearly defined legal status, which results in poor coordination between them. Student publications are inherently idealistic, but realities may not always permit their idealism to continue. Defining their legal and institutional position could help resolve this issue.
Since the publication of the first Azerbaijani student journal (Dan Ulduz – Mohaghegh Ardabili University), many others have been shut down by university and government authorities merely for speaking the truth. In some cases, their editors were even imprisoned. Examples include:
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Former and current editors of Oyanish
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Editor-in-chief of Qizil Uzun at Zanjan University (a female student)
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Editors of Duzgun Khabar and Chenli Beyi
After the events of May 2006 and the insult by the state-run newspaper Iran against the Azerbaijani people, most Azerbaijani student publications across universities were mass-suspended—contrary to student publication regulations and without the presence of their editors at supervisory committee sessions. For example, in June–July 2006, seven Azerbaijani student publications at Urmia University (Oyanish, Yashil, Yarpagh, etc.) were banned, and most recently, the student publication Yaghish at Urmia University was suspended.
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Student Journal Axtarış (Azerbaijan Teacher Training University – [May–June 2004]) |
When evaluating student publications, two main factors must be considered: financial independence and political freedom. Publications can only achieve their true status when they enjoy both. This is possible only if they are not dependent on any particular institution or organization. Most Azerbaijani student publications indeed operate without such affiliations. Yet, lack of financial independence means that only those publications favored by university management or special groups can grow, reducing their critical, reformist, and informative role and limiting their ability to connect students with society.
Financial independence can be achieved through two means: (1) sales and (2) advertising. The journalist’s goal is to connect; if a publication doesn’t sell, it loses that connection. Sales depend on content, print quality, and cover design. Students usually face financial constraints, and if they are Azerbaijani activists, institutional support often comes with extra restrictions. Therefore, while maintaining content quality, they must use resources optimally to sustain sales. As for advertising, although it requires considerable effort, experience shows it is possible.
Another weakness of student publications is their lack of continuity—stemming from the short duration of student life and the instability of editorial teams. As a result, they quickly lose contact with experienced graduates. This problem can partly be solved through the creation of NGOs outside universities.
In the end, reporting—if conducted with ethical and professional standards—can be useful and effective. Familiarity of journalists with these standards will reduce unethical critical confrontations in websites and other publications.
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Student Journal Tamaddon (Azerbaijan Teacher Training University – Issue 5, [Spring 2004]) |
The Formation Process of Azerbaijani Student Journals
The first sparks of publication were lit in the second half of the 1990s. At the same time in Tehran—where relatively more freedom existed—journals such as Chichak (Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Oyrənji (Amirkabir University), and Chaghri (Khwaja Nasir University) began publication. After them, others like Erdem, Duzgun Khabar, El Sesi, Birlik, Heydar Baba, Araz, Ishiq, Sav, and more entered the field.
In the Azerbaijan region, despite the suffocating atmosphere and the lack of complete freedom of expression, a number of journals nevertheless emerged: Yurd, Yarpagh, Elchi, Bayqush, Araz, Khan Nene, Yurd, Sahar, and Barish (Tabriz); Chenli-Tel (Miyaneh); Bakhish, Ulduz, Bulud, and Gonash (Urmia); Dan Ulduz [the first student journal]; Sabah and Savalan (Ardabil); Ayna (Abhar); Ses and Shahriyar (Zanjan); Nasim (Marand); Topraq (Khoy); Birlik (Maragheh); Ildirim (Hamadan); Araz (Qazvin). Journals also appeared in other towns: Qopuz (Gilan), Sahand, Dan Ulduzu, Shahriyar (Isfahan), Kimlik (Sanandaj), Gerchek (Mazandaran), and Ulduz (Birjand).
The process of forming new Azerbaijani journals is still continuing, and it should be noted that students in other parts of Iran have also been moving in this same direction.
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Student Journal Azərbaycan Günəşi (University of Tabriz – Issue 9, 2004/2005) - PDF |
Two Generations of Azerbaijani Journals
Azerbaijani student journals can be divided into two generations:
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Those published around the time of the first festival of Azerbaijani student journals are considered first-generation.
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Those published afterwards, having learned from the strengths and weaknesses of the earlier ones, are second-generation.
Second-generation journals include: Elchi, Gonash, Azerbaijan Gunashi, Azar, Soghoz (Society), Ozluk, Chalghi, Noavaran, Ayna, Khazar, Arta (Tabriz); Oyanish, Tansu, Yashil, Varliq, Bulud, Olke (Urmia); Sayan, Savalan, Sahar, Goy, Yurd (Ardabil); Akhtarysh (Sarab); Ulduz (Arak); Sonmez (Bonab); Erkin (Ilam); Yol, Haray, Gelecek, Saray, Haray (Literary); Birlik, Gonash, Yaghish, Yashayish (Tehran); Yarpagh (Karaj); Araz Sesi, Yashar, Qizil-Uzen (Zanjan); Bulud (Mahabad); Koy Shahriyar, Yashil Yol, Topraq (Khoy); Chenlibel (Sulduz/Naqadeh); Birlik Yolu, Bulut (Hamadan); Tanish and Qartal (Germi); Dan Yeli (Khiyav/Meshgin Shahr); Ishiq Yol (Qusha Chay); Anayurdi (Yazd); Chalish (Marand); Yeni Bakhish (Qazvin); Deniz (Sahand University of Technology); Bakhish (Kerman); Ulduz (Birjand); and many others.
The continuous publication of these journals with a circulation of at least 500 copies—a significant number for student journals—stimulated students from other ethnic communities in Iran to start their own. Kurdish students published journals such as Neday-e Kurdistan and Ruwangeh; Turkmen students published Atrak, Cheshmeh, Olkam, Sobh-e Sahra, Sahra, etc.; Arab students published Aqlam al-Talabah; and Qashqai Turk students published Olkemiz (Payam Noor University, Lamerd in Shiraz).
Thematic Content of Azerbaijani Student Journals
The necessity of reflecting common issues and problems in society, alongside attention to social sciences, literature, culture, and other areas, were defining features of these journals.
Topics more prominent in first-generation journals included:
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Migration and brain drain from Azerbaijan
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Critique of Iranian political parties and groups
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Criticism and review of the “Dialogue of Civilizations” theory
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Examining the evolution of democracy in Iran
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Azerbaijani literature
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Azerbaijani history
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Critique of state television programming
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Study of dominant trends in Iranian press
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Dissection of the Azerbaijani National Movement with focus on the role of the student movement
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Linguistics and the Turkish language
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Creating platforms for civic dialogue among Iranian peoples
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Re-identifying collective identity
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The importance of mother tongue, etc.
Second-generation journals, while still addressing these themes, also paid particular attention to globalization, including:
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Globalization and human rights
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Globalization and identity dimensions
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Globalization and ethnicities
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Globalization and regional cultures
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Globalization and mother tongue
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Globalization and economy, etc.
Literary Journals
Among them, journals such as Sahar, Bayqush, Gunash, and Haray were considered literary journals. By utilizing students’ creativity in producing original literary works in Turkish, translating Turkish texts into Persian and English (and vice versa), and translating modern literature into Turkish from German, English, Russian, and even Japanese, they made significant contributions to Azerbaijani literature.
They also issued special literary editions. For example, Bayqush published a special issue (Yeni Ədəbiyyat Anlayışma – “New Literary Understanding”), a strong step toward developing contemporary Azerbaijani literature. Introducing young poets and interviewing contemporary literary figures were among the activities of these literary journals.
In the field of translation, Yashil Yol (Khoy) with its special issue titled Dönümlük Ədəbiyyat Dərgisi (“Periodical Literature Journal”) contributed significantly to the enrichment of translated literature.
Journalism and Special Issues
A key weakness in the media coverage of the Azerbaijani Movement was largely remedied by the journal Yol. Published weekly at the University of Tehran, it attracted many readers by offering distinctive styles of reporting. It also issued around ten special issues (özel sayı), the most important of which was dedicated to 21 Azar—commemorating the Azerbaijani National Government and the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan under Seyyed Jafar Pishevari. This issue shed light on the silenced aspects of this event, challenging the distortions spread by chauvinist writers, and provided a historical dissection based on documentary evidence.
The most active center in publishing special issues was ABTAM (the Azerbaijani Academic Association Research Center), which produced thematic issues on topics such as Introducing Azerbaijani Cities, Azerbaijani Women, Federalism in Iran, Azerbaijan and a Century of Armenian Atrocities, etc.
The latter special issue (Azerbaijan and a Century of Armenian Atrocities) showed that these journals not only focused on Azerbaijani issues inside Iran but also critically addressed those of the Republic of Azerbaijan. By examining massacres of Muslims by Armenians over the past century—including the tragedies of Karabakh, Khojaly, and others during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict—it contributed significantly to understanding these events.
Music and Cultural Content
In the field of Azerbaijani music, journals such as Dalgha and Chalghi, published at Iran University of Science and Technology and Tabriz University, helped fill the gap in academic study of Azerbaijani music in both society and universities, benefiting from students specializing in Azerbaijani and world music.
Global days and events also appeared in these journals. For example, International Mother Language Day (21 February) was introduced to the wider Iranian public for the first time by Sayan journal at Payam Noor University of Ardabil. This trilingual journal (Turkish, English, Persian) addressed particular issues, and its articles were even referenced by nationwide media outlets.
Finally, translating articles from the social sciences, linguistics, and related fields from reputable European and American journals, as well as from the internet, was also a notable practice of Azerbaijani student journals.
Holding Festivals and Competitions
In a healthy competitive environment such as a festival, weaker student journals come face to face with stronger ones in terms of content, form, and appearance, and they try to raise their own quality. These festivals can also introduce students to new methods of preparing and publishing materials. Creativity and innovation in organizing these festivals, as well as giving them an educational dimension, can make them more effective.
The organization of six national festivals and ten regional festivals, alongside two festivals of Azerbaijani student journals, provided a valuable opportunity for participating journals to become familiar with their own strengths and weaknesses. Although in national and regional festivals, Turkish-language materials are not judged or evaluated—and the judging process is not fair toward the content of these journals—nevertheless, journals such as Sahar (Tabriz University of Medical Sciences), Kimlik (University of Kurdistan), Sayan (Payam Noor University of Ardabil), Oyrenci (Amirkabir University), Oyanish (Urmia University), and others, in addition to their consistent participation, succeeded in winning numerous awards thanks to the quality of their content.
Among them, the student journal Sayan managed to win over 50 prizes and titles in various festivals across the country, placing it among the top four student journals in Iran.
The first festival of Azerbaijani student journals was held in June 2001 with the participation of nearly 30 journals. Beyond enabling networking between the editors of these journals, it also led to the creation of the Azerbaijani Student Journals Syndicate, though unfortunately the Ministry of Science did not issue the necessary authorization for it. The publication of a joint special issue by the Azerbaijani Students’ Association also took place for the first time in the history of Iranian press.
The regular publication of Azerbaijani student journals and the warm reception from readers led to both quantitative and qualitative growth of these journals. For instance, in the second Azerbaijani Student Festival, organized through the efforts of the Turkish Literary Association of Bu-Ali Sina University and with the participation of the journals Ildirim and Birlik Yolu, nearly 80 journals took part. The formation of the Azerbaijani Student Journals Association was also a positive step toward raising the profile of these journals and defending their legal and professional rights. Unfortunately, this association had not been able (as of April 2005) to carry out any activities beyond drafting its bylaws—a situation that called for greater dedication and initiative from its central council. [It should be noted, however, that by May 2005, meetings and activities of this association had begun. /Araz]
A New Approach: Electronic Journals, Cyber Journalism, and Blogs
The restrictions on freedom of expression that present serious challenges to traditional journals are, to a large extent, lifted in cyberspace. Electronic journals have unique advantages, including lower costs, which in turn enable greater independence and a more anti-establishment character. Traditional journals are much more controllable in terms of freedom of expression. At the same time, contrary to common belief, cyberspace is one of the most visible environments: the moment a user connects to the network—and even after disconnecting—they can be traced precisely.
The most significant advantage of websites and electronic journals is the provision of instant news. Today, few readers wait for newspapers to follow major events. Another advantage of these journals is the closer interaction between writers and readers: readers can easily and quickly send their opinions via email or message boxes after reading an article.
This two-way, intimate communication in cyber journalism cannot be compared to traditional media, where the relationship between journal and reader is one-way and, so to speak, top-down. Another benefit of electronic journals is the absence of space limitations (provided there is sufficient hosting capacity). Due to the particular nature of cyberspace and the presence of thousands of sites and electronic journals, however, working in this domain is highly competitive and energy-consuming.
The impatience and desire for variety among readers has shortened the time they dedicate to browsing each page of a journal or blog. Therefore, cyber writers can encourage reading by shortening articles and including appropriate links that provide readers with access to a wealth of related information. However, if these journals do not pay proper attention to page design (especially the front page), continuous updating, and responding to the interests and expectations of readers, they quickly lose their audience. Web designers should also avoid methods that slow down page loading, even if such methods have some advantages, because for an electronic journal nothing is more important than attracting and retaining readers. (The global standard maximum waiting time for a page to load is 20 seconds, which under Iran’s current telecommunications infrastructure seems almost utopian.) Ultimately, creating a website can both promote a journal and quickly connect resources with shared interests.
Today, under globalization and through satellite networks and the internet, it is possible to be informed about any event anywhere in the world. As McLuhan argued, in the “global village” one can become familiar with all kinds of events. Thus, the role of students and traditional journal editors in entering the global information network becomes clear. Every Azerbaijani student can and should, through gradual mastery of computers and especially the internet, as well as the basic principles of reporting and, most importantly, the English language, act as a platform to reflect issues at both regional and global levels. In the age of networks and the information explosion, countering the censorship of news about Azerbaijan and other Iranian nationalities—censorship carried out by the press and state media under chauvinistic and racist frameworks—is both necessary and possible through the internet and satellite networks.
The flip side, however, is the limited access to internet and satellite in Iran, coupled with the overwhelming cultural assault of state television channels, especially provincial stations, which, through hybridized language use and the degradation of local music and programming, undermine local languages and cultures. As a result, young people from Iran’s nationalities unconsciously grow alienated from their own cultures and are drawn toward nationwide (Persian-language) channels. In such circumstances, the production of cultural information through modern methods will greatly aid in preserving the national identity of Iranian nationalities, since new technologies will gradually become widespread.
References
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Functions of Student Journals, Dr. Ali-Asghar Kia
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Who is a Journalist?, M. V. Kamas
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Circulation Numbers of Azerbaijani Student Journals
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Hamshahri Newspaper, No. 3315, February 21, 2004
Footnotes
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The theory of the “global village” was first proposed by Canadian sociologist and philosopher Marshall McLuhan. In his book War and Peace in the Global Village, he argued that through electronic communication technologies, the nature of work and social life would be transformed, societies and nations would draw closer together, and eventually a village as large as the Earth would emerge—what he called the “global village.”
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This article was first published in the special issue Azerbaijani Student Movement of the student journal Araz at Tabriz University in 2005. The journal Araz was banned as a result of publishing this special issue.