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| Ilqar Ulusoy, Political Activist |
The increasing political activism among Turks in South Azerbaijan and other regions of Iran, following the approval of Masoud Pezeshkian's candidacy in the June presidential elections, continues after his potential presidency.
Political activist Ilqar Ulusoy emphasized in an interview with Voice of America that during Masoud Pezeshkian's era, there could be an opportunity for Turks to significantly influence Iran's political agenda.
“For years, Iran’s political paradigm was built around the concepts of right-left or reformist-conservative, and all analyses were framed within this. Recently, supporters of regime change (barandaz) and opposition abroad have also entered into these political analyses. However, when we look carefully, beneath the surface of Iran’s political sphere, there has always been a contradiction related to Turkishness or Azerbaijan-centered issues. Those three groups I mentioned, who benefit from the racist system, have never wanted Turkishness to emerge or to be one side of the political paradigm. They know that if Azerbaijan’s constructive power is revealed, it will lead to more democratic and prosperous living for the Turks and all the peoples of the region,” Ilqar Ulusoy explains.
The political activist believes that various political currents try to suppress Turkish political activity by denying their role.
“The groups shaping Iran's political paradigm have tried, through various means, to prevent the political activism of Turks. In this regard, both reformists and conservatives have tried to co-opt Turks’ victory in the elections. Reformists inflate Javad Zarif’s role, attempting to present Pezeshkian as being appointed by Zarif as president and implying that he forms and directs the cabinet. Conservatives, on the other hand, claim that Pezeshkian is part of a plan by Khamenei and the ruling establishment. Opposition groups abroad attempt to diminish Pezeshkian’s negotiations and actions, trying to devalue Azerbaijan’s victory. The common goal of all three groups is to discourage Turks, remove them from the political agenda, and ensure that the racist system continues as it is,” he said.
Ilqar Ulusoy added that if political activism in South Azerbaijan continues to grow, it could lead to significant changes in Iran.
“These processes have already had a deep impact, and I believe that if this continues, it will lead to a geopolitical shift in Iran. To prevent this spark from fading, national activists have an important responsibility. They must avoid falling into the propaganda games of these three groups, take ownership of their successes and victories, and work to bring their modern and democratic rhetoric to the forefront of Iran’s political paradigm.”
The political activist pointed to some statements and actions of Pezeshkian after his presidency, stating, “I see that Pezeshkian is trying to break through the surface with his positions. This is not an easy task and will advance slowly. Although Pezeshkian’s actions may seem minor at first glance, they are the first steps of a great change. These are signs of the surface cracking. Once that surface is broken and Azerbaijan's discourse comes to the fore, this rhetoric could be part of Iran's political paradigm, offering opportunities for both Turks and other peoples in the region. In short, every word Pezeshkian speaks in Turkish and every position he takes on Azerbaijan is important for us and will advance the South Azerbaijan National Movement by one step.”
After Pezeshkian’s potential presidency, some intellectuals and Turkish activists in South Azerbaijan, as well as in Tehran and Karaj, have issued statements and held meetings to try to influence Iran's political agenda.
Ilqar Ulusoy further states, “Efforts must also be made at the grassroots level. We can see this happening. For instance, I view the meetings between Turkish intellectuals and national activists of South Azerbaijan with groups and individuals representing central politics, including Javad Zarif, as attempts to bring the Azerbaijani discourse to the agenda. I consider these activities highly valuable.”
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
İlqar Ulusoy: Pezeşkian dönəmi türklərin İranın siyasət gündəminə ciddi təsir etməsi üçün bir başlanğıc ola bilər