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| Hasan Rashidi |
"Besides the Turks, those who believe in democracy, human rights, and humanity in this country also support the Turkish Regions Faction," said Hasan Rashidi, a Turkish writer from Karaj, in an interview with VOA Persian. The well-known writer discussed the establishment process of the faction, the perspectives of groups supporting or opposing it, and the faction’s areas of activity. Rashidi also elaborated on the expectations of Turkish intellectuals, writers, and social activists living in Azerbaijan and other provinces of Iran from the Turkish Faction.
"In the past 20 years, these demands have resonated more profoundly within our nation, and they were strongly expressed in last year’s elections. Many parliamentary candidates gained seats in parliament by addressing these demands. Naturally, the support from our people played a role in sending them to parliament, and the expectation was that they would fulfill these demands once elected," Rashidi emphasized, describing the faction as being founded on these needs.
Hasan Rashidi stated that those who believe in democracy and human rights support the Turkish Faction:
"Beyond the Turks, those who believe in democracy, human rights, and humanity in this country support this faction."
He categorized the opponents of the faction into two groups:
"The first group consists of those who are concerned about potential issues behind the faction’s formation. This is because there has never been such a strong faction in parliament before... They fear that, according to their claims, this could lead to separatism. However, they must realize that this faction comprises 100 representatives from different provinces of Iran. From Fars Province to Gilan, North Khorasan, Tehran, and the central provinces, members have joined this faction. Where is the separatism in this? Where would they separate to?"
"For others, the formation of such a strong faction might have been unexpected. A faction this strong could also influence ministerial interrogations (questionings)."
He added:
"The second group of opponents is fundamentally against the presence of Turks. They oppose the existence of Turks in this country. They even deny our Turkish identity, calling us Azeris instead. These individuals are extreme Iranian nationalists and followers of Cyrus, who, on October 29, chanted racist slogans at Cyrus's tomb. We saw their examples during the press exhibition."
The author of the book "A Study of the History, Language, and Identity of Turks in Iran" also discussed the regions that the Turkish Regions Faction could impact. He pointed out that some non-Turkish representatives are also part of the faction and expressed hope that the faction would have a positive impact on the lives of non-Turks living in those regions:
"Representatives from various provinces, numbering 100 or possibly more, have joined this faction. I know of some representatives from Azerbaijan who haven’t yet joined... There are many shared problems in Turkish-inhabited regions. The main issue is the lack of education in their mother tongue. Unemployment is also more prevalent in Turkish regions, leading to significant migration to other provinces. These shared problems could be strongly addressed in parliament through the efforts of these 100 representatives."
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| A Study of the History, Language, and Identity of Turks in Iran (Author: Hasan Rashidi) |
"Naturally, if economic development occurs in these regions, other minorities would also benefit. Representatives from these groups have joined based on this premise—to bring positive changes to their communities. At the same time, Turks have shared issues with other non-Persians. For example, in West Azerbaijan Province, Kurds also live there. Any economic and social development in the region would benefit the Kurds as well."
Addressing the expectations of Turkish intellectuals and cultural activists from the Turkish Regions Faction, the prominent writer said they anticipate progress in resolving existing issues, starting with the issue of mother tongue education:
"Apart from the mother tongue issue, there are economic difficulties in Azerbaijan and other Turkish regions. Turks are migrating to the central regions of the country. Another matter is the insults directed at Turks. While other non-Persians also face insults, it is more severe for Turks... Radio and television should broadcast more programs in Turkish. More than half of Tehran Province’s population is Turkish, yet there isn’t a single Turkish-language program among the 10-15 TV channels here."
Hasan Rashidi also emphasized the importance of steps toward recognizing Turks as Turks in Iran:
"One of the expectations is for Turks in this country to be recognized as Turks and not by other names like Azeris. We are Turks; our language is Turkish, and we have sacrificed more than anyone else for Iran. Iran should not be identified solely by one identity or culture. It is a multinational country, and all these cultures should be valued," added the writer and Turkish language teacher.
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Həsən Raşidi: İranda demokratiyaya inananlar Türk Bölgələri Fraksiyasını dəstəkləyir