By Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America, June 20, 2023
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| Türkan Bozkurt |
In an interview with Voice of America, feminist activist Turkan Bozkurt described Tehran's policies on language, environment, and natural resources in Iranian Azerbaijan as "examples of colonial practices."
According to Bozkurt, since the 16th century, assimilation policies have been one of the most important tools used by colonial powers to control local populations.
According to Bozkurt, since the 16th century, assimilation policies have been one of the most important tools used by colonial powers to control local populations.
"When a nation's language is taken away, their culture is taken away, their history is taken away, and the words of their ancestors are taken away—everything is taken away from them. That is why colonialism sees assimilation as its best ally," Turkan Bozkurt stated.
She emphasized that the consequences of these policies can be observed in other regions of Iran as well.
"One of the things we clearly see in the Iranian context is that they not only strip many minorities of their language and culture, but they also create alienation and a sense of inferiority among them. People from those nations see themselves as inferior and less developed compared to the dominant culture. They feel ashamed of their language and culture. They aspire to be part of the dominant culture. Among Turks, too, there is shame in their own culture and a sense of alienation. Speaking Persian becomes fashionable. Why? Because they are taught that Persian culture and civilization are superior and better than theirs," she explained.
Türkan Bozkurt also believes that policies concerning the environment and natural resources reflect colonial practices.
"One method borrowed from colonial powers is deliberately destroying the environment where the locals live and forcing them to migrate. We see this very clearly in South Azerbaijan. The underground and surface resources in Azerbaijan are not used for the benefit of that nation; instead, they are extracted and utilized in regions inhabited by the dominant culture. This leaves the region's inhabitants impoverished and powerless, so they lack the strength to resist," said the activist, who currently resides in exile in Canada.
She further explained that the portrayal of the dominant culture as superior to other cultures affects relationships among opposition political groups as well.
"Our leaders, activists, and people have been saying for years that racism and discrimination exist and that we must stand against the Iranian government for human rights. When our people say this, we are deemed illegitimate. But when the dominant group feels ready to step into the arena and fight, they say, 'I am ready, and you should be ready too.' They expect us to accept what they see as correct because they look down on us. They see their culture, their people, and their leaders as superior," Turkan Bozkurt concluded.
She emphasized that the consequences of these policies can be observed in other regions of Iran as well.
"One of the things we clearly see in the Iranian context is that they not only strip many minorities of their language and culture, but they also create alienation and a sense of inferiority among them. People from those nations see themselves as inferior and less developed compared to the dominant culture. They feel ashamed of their language and culture. They aspire to be part of the dominant culture. Among Turks, too, there is shame in their own culture and a sense of alienation. Speaking Persian becomes fashionable. Why? Because they are taught that Persian culture and civilization are superior and better than theirs," she explained.
Türkan Bozkurt also believes that policies concerning the environment and natural resources reflect colonial practices.
"One method borrowed from colonial powers is deliberately destroying the environment where the locals live and forcing them to migrate. We see this very clearly in South Azerbaijan. The underground and surface resources in Azerbaijan are not used for the benefit of that nation; instead, they are extracted and utilized in regions inhabited by the dominant culture. This leaves the region's inhabitants impoverished and powerless, so they lack the strength to resist," said the activist, who currently resides in exile in Canada.
She further explained that the portrayal of the dominant culture as superior to other cultures affects relationships among opposition political groups as well.
"Our leaders, activists, and people have been saying for years that racism and discrimination exist and that we must stand against the Iranian government for human rights. When our people say this, we are deemed illegitimate. But when the dominant group feels ready to step into the arena and fight, they say, 'I am ready, and you should be ready too.' They expect us to accept what they see as correct because they look down on us. They see their culture, their people, and their leaders as superior," Turkan Bozkurt concluded.
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Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Türkan Bozqurt: İran Azərbaycanında dil, ətraf mühit və təbii sərvətlər ilə bağlı siyasət müstəmləkəçilik siyasətinin nümunələridir.