February 20, 2025
The caricature on the cover of the 38th issue of Molla Nasraddin journal, published in 1906, depicts a man labeled "Turk of Azerbaijan" lying down while three individuals, dressed in distinct attire, attempt to force tongues inscribed with the Farsi, Russian, and Arabic languages into his mouth.
Accompanying the image is the text: "…Oh brothers, I was not created as a langualess nation — why are you shoving these languages into my mouth?"
This satire humorously critiques the imposition of foreign languages and cultures on the Azerbaijani Turks of the time—a policy that has persisted in Iran for over a century.
Founded by Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, Molla Nasraddin was a pioneering satirical magazine that played a key role in early 20th-century Azerbaijani literature and culture. Renowned for addressing significant social and political issues, the magazine actively engaged with topics such as language and alphabet reforms.