Artum Dinc: "Tarhe No" Newspaper Propagated Racism, Sexism, and Violence

Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America - August 07, 2016

Artum Dinc, sociologist

Artum Dinc emphasizes that it is wrong to present the article published in the Tarhe No newspaper, which caused protests by Turks in Iran, Azerbaijan and other regions of the country, as mere "obscenity." Speaking to the Voice of America, the sociologist assessed that article as a product of a racist, anti-women and working-class worldview. 



In the July 20 edition of the 'Tarhe No' newspaper published in Tabriz, a story discussing the confrontation between the legendary heroes Rostam and Afrasiab contains the statement: "You evil race Turk, you were not created to fight with men. Go and spin cotton like women."

The newspaper Tarh-e No, published in Tabriz, in its issue number 868 dated July 20, 2016, featured an article titled “The Seven Labors of Rostam” in which a story from the Shahnameh was narrated, containing what were described as “offensive and racist remarks” against Turks. In this piece, the Iranian hero (Giv) refers to the Turanian commander (Afrasiab) as a "wretched, obscure Turk", and later, another Iranian hero (Rostam) says:

“We do not consider the Turanians to be men, for they are all women through and through. And you, vile-born Turk, are not made for battle with men — go take up spinning and weaving like women.”

According to Artum Dinc, "presenting these statements simply as indecency may be seen as an attempt to prevent the issue from properly presenting, intentionally or unintentionally covering up and distorting its various aspects. Because this act goes beyond the issue of not adhering to etiquette rules."

He points out that the worldview allowing for these statements is one that "declares Turks as enemies," "demeans women and workers," "incites violence," "spreads hatred," and "considers killing to be superior to working."

"The article in the newspaper could be included in the definition of hate speech because it considers Turks as enemies, denigrates and vilifies women and workers, nurtures injustice, lacks openness to discussion and tolerance, could lead to illegal actions and potential violence, encourages lawlessness, and may pave the way for oppressive practices such as subjugation, silencing, marginalization, and 'othering' against Turks, women, and workers," Dinc states.

The sociologist analyzed the denigration of Turks and women in the "Tarhe No" newspaper regarding identity issues and from the perspectives of legality, ethics, and security.

After the publication of the story in the Tarhe No newspaper, protest waves erupted in Tabriz and Urmia, the two largest cities of Iranian Azerbaijan, on July 26, spreading to cities such as Ardabil, Khoy, Zanjan, Maragha, Tehran, and Shiraz.

Human rights defenders reported that protesters faced harsh police intervention, and dozens of protestors were arrested.

Link to the original story: https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/artum-dinc/3448650.html