Voices of South Azerbaijan: Amir Merdani

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Amir Merdani: In Iranian Azerbaijan, Those Who Choose Turkish Names for Their Children Are Labeled as Pan-Turkists

Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America, November 24, 2024

Tehran newspapers have published articles claiming that since Masoud Pezeshkian’s election as president, "pan-Turkist and separatist" activities have increased in Iranian Azerbaijan, particularly in Tabriz. The prominent Sharq newspaper featured three op-eds on the topic in its Monday issue.

In an interview with Voice of America, political activist Amir Merdani stated that Tehran seeks to mobilize various groups against the Azerbaijani National Movement by labeling them as "pan-Turkist."

Amir Mardani: Women Struggle to Find a Voice in the National Movement

By Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America, March 12, 2018

Amir Mardani

Amir Mardani, highlighting the growing mass movement of women fighting for equal rights in Iran, asserts that the "Azerbaijan National Movement" has not projected a positive image regarding women's issues.

In an interview with Voice of America, the Southern Azerbaijani journalist and national activist evaluated the expanding women's movement in Iran and discussed women's participation in the national movement.

The Voices of Azerbaijan is dedicated to exploring and amplifying the experiences of marginalized Turkish communities in South Azerbaijan and broader Iran. We examine the intersections of ethnicity, language, gender, class, power, and marginalization, offering a platform for these communities to share their voices and engage in critical discussions. Our mission is to raise awareness, advocate for social justice, and contribute to both academic and public discourse through diverse perspectives.

We explore ethnicity, language, gender, and politics in their full complexity, recognizing communities as social and political agents and examining how these identities shape and are shaped by political and social dynamics.

Our focus encompasses key issues related to language, education, and society, investigating how language policies and educational practices affect the status of ethnic minorities, particularly Turkish-speaking populations. We aim to reveal the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in language and education, illustrating how these factors shape these communities' social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental realities.

Through this blog, we aim to provide valuable insights for community members in Azerbaijan and Iran, as well as for those in the diaspora. Our platform serves journalists, writers, academics, and students seeking to understand the social, cultural, economic, and political positions of Iran’s ethnic and linguistic minoritized communities. We critically examine power relations and the marginalization these groups face, focusing on topics neglected by mainstream media and academic research in Iran.

We are committed to promoting dialogue on diversity, inclusion, and justice. Our vision is to contribute to a society where the challenges of all communities are recognized, the socio-historical dynamics of power and privilege are acknowledged, and inclusive, discrimination-free discourses and policies are both envisioned and implemented.

Published articles and interviews on this platform do not imply endorsement by Voices of Azerbaijan. They represent the views and opinions of the respective authors.

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Amir Merdani: In Iranian Azerbaijan, Those Who Choose Turkish Names for Their Children Are Labeled as Pan-Turkists

Amir Mardani: Women Struggle to Find a Voice in the National Movement