 |
| Bulut Alemdar |
In December and January, protests erupted in Iran regarding the economic situation and women's rights. While these protests have been sporadic, they are still ongoing in various cities. Some opposition groups, especially in Tabriz, are expressing concerns that no significant protests have occurred in Iranian Azerbaijan. Bulut Alemdar, a member of the Executive Board of the South Azerbaijan National Awakening Movement (GAMOH), discussed this in an interview with Voice of America.
"There are protests. Economic hardships, corruption and theft in banks and financial institutions, the embezzlement of oil funds, and Iranian officials' children living luxurious lives in Western countries have led to significant protests. There have been arrests, and deaths as well... But contrary to what they accuse us of, that we are silent while others are in the streets, it's not that simple," said Alemdar.
According to him, the movement is essentially at war with the Islamic Republic. "We have gone to the streets to express our protests. There are those who have been arrested, martyred, expelled from universities or workplaces, and forced to leave the country," he said.
Recently, some local officials and religious leaders in Iranian Azerbaijan have drawn attention to the issue of Turkish language rights. Some believe this may be connected to the ongoing street protests in Iran. According to some activists, conservative politicians are trying to increase their influence among the people under the current circumstances.
However, Alemdar argues that "linking this to the protests and actions today is, in my opinion, incorrect. At the time, Ahmadinejad also promised to open courses in Turkish language and literature. Rouhani also made similar statements. Our issue is not with conservatives or reformists. When it suits them, they may say such things, considering their own interests."
Alemdar states that in modern history, the Turks have launched political protests multiple times, but they ultimately did not receive support from other regions.
"During the Pishavari era, monarchists, mullahs, and other groups united, violating the democratic rights we had obtained at the time. During the Muslim People's Movement, they stood alongside Khomeini and attacked the people of Tabriz, who opposed religious rule... Today, we must be cautious because when we, the Turks, go to the streets, there is fear that they will all unite again and attack us," he added.
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
İranda etirazlar - türklər niyə ehtiyatlı davranır?