Ethnic Tensions in Iran: Tractor as a Platform for Azerbaijani Turks

Iran, a country with remarkable ethnic and cultural diversity, is home to Persians, Azerbaijani Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Baluchs, and other groups. While this diversity contributes to the nation’s cultural richness, it has also been a source of tension, particularly in regions where ethnic minorities feel marginalized and underrepresented. Among these groups, the Azerbaijani Turks—estimated to number between 25 to 30 million, with some estimates suggesting as many as 40 million—constitute Iran’s largest ethnic minority. Despite their significant demographic presence and deep historical roots in the region, Azerbaijani Turks have often faced systemic discrimination and cultural assimilation policies that have left them feeling excluded from the national narrative.

For many Azerbaijani Turks, football has transcended its role as a mere sport to become a vital medium for cultural and political expression. In recent years, Tractor Football Club, based in the Azerbaijani Turk-majority city of Tabriz, has evolved into a powerful symbol of identity, resistance, and pride. The club has provided a platform for Azerbaijani Turks to voice their grievances about systemic inequality, cultural marginalization, and the suppression of their linguistic and cultural rights. For a community that feels silenced in other public spaces, Tractor matches offer a rare opportunity to express collective discontent and celebrate their distinct identity.

The significance of Tractor for Azerbaijani Turks lies in its symbolic role as a bastion of resistance against decades of assimilationist policies. Historically, Iranian governments have prioritized Persian language and culture as the defining markers of national identity, sidelining the cultural and linguistic rights of non-Persian ethnic groups, including Azerbaijani Turks. For instance, the use of the Turkish language has been restricted in schools and public life, while Azerbaijani Turk cultural expressions have often been suppressed under the guise of promoting national unity.

Tractor matches frequently feature chants in Turkish, banners with political slogans, and calls for greater recognition of Azerbaijani Turk identity. For fans, these matches are about more than football—they are a means of asserting their cultural heritage, demanding equal treatment, and resisting assimilation. The chants, which often include phrases such as “We are Turks, not Persians,” highlight the community’s frustration with the state’s efforts to erase their distinct identity. The banners and slogans displayed at matches emphasize broader grievances, including calls for cultural autonomy, linguistic rights, and greater political representation. Through these matches, Azerbaijani Turks have found a collective voice that resonates far beyond the stadium.

The rise of Tractor Football Club as a platform for Azerbaijani Turk identity assertion is not an isolated phenomenon. Similar examples can be found worldwide, where marginalized ethnic groups have used sports as a vehicle for self-expression and resistance. However, in Iran’s tightly controlled political environment, football serves as one of the few remaining public spaces where such expressions are still possible, albeit under constant scrutiny. This dynamic underscores the unique role of Tractor as a cultural and political symbol for Azerbaijani Turks, who face significant challenges in advocating for their rights through conventional channels.

Despite the heavy-handed measures often employed by Iranian authorities to suppress these expressions, including the arrest of fans and the confiscation of banners, the resilience of Tractor’s supporters reflects the community’s determination to keep their identity alive. Tractor Football Club is not just a team; it is a rallying point for a shared cultural and political identity, and a symbol of resistance against the systemic inequities Azerbaijani Turks continue to face. As a result, the club’s importance goes far beyond sports, serving as a crucial outlet for a community striving to reclaim its place in a nation that has historically sought to marginalize it.

Football as a Medium of Ethnic Expression

Football, widely regarded as a unifying sport on a global scale, often serves as a mirror to the societal divisions and tensions that persist within nations. In Iran, this dynamic is vividly exemplified by Tractor Football Club, whose significance extends far beyond the confines of the football pitch. For its Azerbaijani Turk fans, Tractor has become a cultural and political symbol of resistance, embodying the struggle against decades of forced assimilation, marginalization, and the systematic denial of cultural and linguistic rights.

Matches involving Tractor are a powerful spectacle of ethnic expression. Fans frequently chant in Turkish, display banners with political slogans, and call for the recognition of Azerbaijani Turk identity. These matches are often filled with demands for cultural rights, such as the inclusion of Turkish as an official language in education and media, as well as broader recognition of Azerbaijani Turk heritage within Iranian society. These demands highlight the accumulated grievances of a community that has long been excluded from full cultural and political participation, stemming from Iran’s centralization policies that have historically prioritized Persian culture and language at the expense of others.

Tractor fans also use the football stadium as a platform to challenge the state’s assimilationist policies. This includes drawing attention to issues such as the prohibition of Turkish in schools, the suppression of Azerbaijani Turk cultural expressions, and the lack of political representation. Banners carried by fans often carry poignant messages about their identity, such as “We are Turks, not Persians,” reflecting their frustration with policies that attempt to subsume their heritage into a Persian-centric national narrative. Through football, Tractor has become more than a club; it has evolved into a form of cultural resistance against the systematic erasure of Azerbaijani Turk identity.

This phenomenon is not unique to Iran. Around the world, sports have often been used as a vehicle for marginalized ethnic groups to assert their identity and challenge systemic inequities. From the Celtic-Rangers rivalry in Scotland that reflects religious and political divides to South African teams during apartheid, sports have consistently served as platforms for resistance. However, in Iran’s tightly controlled political environment, where public expressions of dissent are heavily monitored and suppressed, football provides one of the few relatively safe public spaces for Azerbaijani Turks to voice their grievances. While stadiums are not completely free from state control—security forces often intervene, and fans have been arrested for their activism—they still represent a rare opportunity for collective expression.

The visibility of Tractor’s activism has also attracted international attention. Videos of fans chanting in Turkish or holding up political banners frequently go viral on social media, drawing solidarity from Azerbaijani Turks in Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as from human rights organizations. This transnational dimension adds a layer of complexity to the phenomenon, as Iranian authorities increasingly perceive such expressions as influenced by or aligned with foreign powers. By framing Tractor fans’ activism as separatist or foreign-backed, the state seeks to delegitimize their demands, further exacerbating tensions.

While football serves as a unifying sport globally, in the case of Tractor, it highlights deep-seated divisions and unresolved grievances. For Azerbaijani Turks, the matches are more than games; they are a platform to express cultural pride, challenge systemic discrimination, and reclaim their identity in a country that has historically sidelined it. Through chants, banners, and solidarity, Tractor fans continue to use football as a medium of ethnic expression and resistance, showcasing the power of sports as a platform for political and cultural assertion.

The Tractor-Persepolis Rivalry: A Reflection of Societal Fault Lines

The rivalry between Tractor Football Club, based in the Azerbaijani Turk-majority city of Tabriz, and Tehran-based Persepolis Football Club has emerged as a powerful symbol of Iran’s ethnic and cultural divides. This rivalry transcends sports, reflecting deeper societal tensions and highlighting the ethnic disparities that persist within the country. During a recent match, tensions flared when some Persepolis fans chanted slogans mocking Azerbaijani Turks, reigniting longstanding grievances. Such incidents are far from isolated; matches between these two clubs are often marred by racist chants and provocative behavior, underscoring the hostility between the two communities.

In response, Tractor fans have increasingly embraced their matches as opportunities to assert their Azerbaijani Turk identity. They chant in Turkish, display banners with cultural and political slogans, and emphasize their pride in their heritage. For many fans, the stadium becomes a rare public platform where their grievances against systemic discrimination and cultural marginalization can be voiced. However, these actions have frequently drawn criticism from Iranian authorities, who interpret such displays as threats to national unity. The government has warned against the “politicization” of football, and fans who chant slogans deemed too controversial have faced crackdowns, arrests, and bans from stadiums.

The tensions at these matches are symptomatic of broader societal issues. For Azerbaijani Turks, Tractor matches are not just about football; they represent opportunities to confront cultural and political inequities. The club has become a symbol of resistance against the assimilationist policies that have sidelined their identity, providing an outlet for a community that feels excluded from full participation in national life. On the other hand, for many Persian fans, these matches are arenas where dominance can be asserted, reflecting a broader narrative of Persian-centric nationalism within Iran. This dynamic often leads to confrontations that reveal the unresolved nature of Iran’s ethnic challenges.

The rivalry is further exacerbated by the state’s heavy-handed approach to ethnic activism in sports. Tractor fans have repeatedly been accused of using football matches as a platform for separatist sentiments, particularly when they display slogans or banners advocating for greater cultural and linguistic rights. This perception of activism as a security threat has led to frequent interventions by authorities, including the deployment of security forces to monitor matches and suppress protests. Such actions often escalate tensions, reinforcing the sense of alienation among Azerbaijani Turks and deepening the divide between them and the Persian majority.

The Tractor-Persepolis rivalry also illustrates the role of football as a microcosm of broader societal dynamics. For Azerbaijani Turks, supporting Tractor is a way to reclaim their identity in a country that has long sought to subsume it under a Persian-centric national narrative. Meanwhile, the clashes between fans reflect the Iranian state’s broader failure to address ethnic grievances, leaving marginalized communities with few avenues for expression. The resulting confrontations at these matches serve as public reminders of the unresolved ethnic and cultural fault lines that continue to challenge Iran’s unity.

Historical Context of Azerbaijani Turk Marginalization

The roots of Azerbaijani Turk grievances lie in Iran’s long history of centralization and forced assimilation. During the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979), Persian nationalism became a cornerstone of state policy. This era saw aggressive efforts to standardize Persian as the sole national identity, often at the expense of non-Persian ethnic groups. Azerbaijani Turks, who are Iran’s largest ethnic minority, faced significant discrimination under these policies. Their language was prohibited in schools, their cultural expressions were systematically suppressed, and opportunities to publicly celebrate their Turkic identity were increasingly restricted. The Pahlavi regime viewed linguistic and cultural diversity as a threat to national unity, promoting Persian culture and language as a unifying force while alienating other ethnic groups.

Under the Islamic Republic, the official narrative shifted toward Islamic unity, which ostensibly emphasized equality among all ethnic groups under the banner of Islam. However, this approach largely ignored the unique cultural and linguistic needs of non-Persian communities. While Azerbaijani Turks played a significant role in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, their expectations for greater cultural recognition and linguistic rights went unmet. Discontent deepened as successive governments failed to acknowledge the community’s demands for the inclusion of Turkish as an official language and for broader political representation.

This marginalization has fueled a growing ethnic consciousness among Azerbaijani Turks, who increasingly see platforms like Tractor Football Club as symbols of their identity and resistance. Tractor matches provide a rare space for the public expression of Turkic pride and grievances, including chants in the Turkish language and demands for cultural autonomy. The club has become more than just a sports team—it is a powerful vehicle for collective action and a reminder of the unresolved ethnic tensions in Iran.

The historical suppression of Azerbaijani Turk identity has not only fostered resentment but also strengthened cross-border ethnic solidarity. The cultural and linguistic ties between Azerbaijani Turks in Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have become a source of concern for the Iranian state, which fears the potential for irredentist sentiments. This concern has driven the government to tighten restrictions on ethnic activism, exacerbating tensions and further alienating Azerbaijani Turks.

In this context, the refusal to address Azerbaijani Turk grievances has left a legacy of cultural exclusion and systemic inequality. While the Islamic Republic frames itself as inclusive, its policies continue to marginalize Azerbaijani Turks, forcing them to seek alternative platforms to assert their identity. This marginalization has contributed to the rise of ethnic nationalism and a collective push for greater cultural and political recognition.

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

The advent of social media has revolutionized how Azerbaijani Turks express their grievances and assert their identity. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram have become critical tools for documenting discrimination, sharing videos of racist incidents during Tractor matches, and mobilizing both local and international support. For a community historically marginalized and underrepresented in state-controlled media, these digital platforms provide an alternative where their voices can be heard unfiltered. Viral videos of racist chants or state crackdowns at matches, for instance, have drawn significant attention to the plight of Azerbaijani Turks, sparking solidarity among Turkic communities worldwide and prompting discussions within international human rights organizations.

Social media has also amplified Tractor Football Club’s role as a platform for nationalism and ethnic identity among Azerbaijani Turks. Tractor matches often feature slogans and banners promoting Turkic cultural pride and political rights, with fans frequently using social media to amplify these messages far beyond the stadium. In this context, Tractor becomes not just a football team but a symbol of collective identity, as highlighted by its role in energizing Azerbaijani Turk nationalism.

Beyond exposing injustice, social media has been instrumental in galvanizing grassroots activism. Tractor fans and Azerbaijani Turk activists have used these platforms to organize boycotts, highlight systemic discrimination, and build solidarity across borders with Azerbaijani Turks in Azerbaijan and Turkey. Social media enables activists to bypass traditional state-controlled narratives, amplifying their grievances in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago. This has made it increasingly difficult for the Iranian government to suppress their concerns entirely.

However, the same platforms that empower marginalized communities can also exacerbate divisions and conflict. Social media algorithms prioritize engagement, often amplifying divisive and inflammatory content. This dynamic has led to the proliferation of hate speech and ethnic slurs, particularly in the context of the rivalry between Tractor and Persian-majority teams like Persepolis. Online debates frequently devolve into echo chambers, where both Azerbaijani Turks and their critics reinforce their biases, deepening the ethnic polarization that already exists offline.

Additionally, Iranian authorities have sought to weaponize social media to discredit Azerbaijani Turk activism. State-sponsored trolls and bots often flood conversations with counter-narratives, accusing activists of separatism or alleging foreign allegiance to Turkey or Azerbaijan. This propaganda not only undermines legitimate grievances but also fosters distrust among communities, framing activists as agents of instability rather than citizens seeking equal rights.

For Azerbaijani Turks, the digital landscape mirrors many of the inequities of the physical world. While social media provides a platform for visibility and advocacy, it also subjects activists to increased surveillance by the state. Iranian authorities monitor online activities closely, with many activists facing arrest or harassment for posts that challenge government policies or highlight ethnic discrimination. Activists associated with Tractor matches have frequently been targeted, with some detained for sharing content critical of state actions or for promoting the use of Turkish in public spheres.

Moreover, the transnational nature of social media has drawn international attention to the plight of Azerbaijani Turks. Videos and reports shared online are often picked up by media outlets in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and beyond, fostering greater awareness of Iran’s ethnic issues on a global scale. However, this international visibility has also led Iranian authorities to accuse Azerbaijani Turk activists of being influenced by foreign powers, particularly Turkey and Azerbaijan. Such accusations further complicate efforts to address underlying grievances constructively and risk framing the issue as one of sovereignty rather than civil rights.

While social media remains a powerful tool for Azerbaijani Turks to challenge systemic discrimination and assert their identity, it also reflects the complex interplay of empowerment and vulnerability in the digital age. For a community striving to navigate both physical and digital spaces of inequality, the challenge lies in leveraging the benefits of social media while mitigating its risks and countering the narratives that seek to delegitimize their cause. This duality underscores the role of technology in both amplifying voices for justice and perpetuating structural inequalities.

Government Suppression and Its Consequences

The Iranian government has historically responded to ethnic activism with repression, often relying on heavy-handed tactics to suppress expressions of cultural and political identity. In the context of Tractor Football Club matches, this repression is particularly visible. Security forces are frequently deployed to monitor fans, and arrests are common when supporters display banners or chant slogans that are deemed politically sensitive. For instance, fans who chant in Turkish or call for cultural and linguistic rights often face detentions, fines, or outright bans from attending future matches. Such incidents underscore the state’s low tolerance for any public display of Azerbaijani Turk identity that it perceives as a threat to national unity.

In addition to physical crackdowns, the Iranian authorities have also sought to delegitimize Tractor fans’ activism by framing it as influenced by foreign actors. Officials and state-controlled media often accuse Azerbaijani Turks of acting under the influence of neighboring Azerbaijan or Turkey, characterizing their demands as separatist or driven by external agendas. This narrative is not only dismissive of Azerbaijani Turks’ legitimate grievances but also fuels mistrust between the government and one of its largest minority groups.

The government has also implemented administrative measures to curb expressions of ethnic identity during football matches. Banners with political messages are confiscated, and stadium chants in Turkish are often interrupted by authorities. In some cases, matches have been postponed or canceled under the pretext of maintaining public order, further frustrating Tractor fans and deepening the perception that their voices are being silenced. These measures are consistent with a broader state policy of suppressing ethnic identities, which has been a feature of Iranian governance since the Pahlavi era.

This approach, however, has proven counterproductive. By criminalizing cultural expressions and branding legitimate demands for recognition as separatism, the government risks alienating a significant portion of its population. The heavy-handed tactics have fueled resentment among Azerbaijani Turks, who increasingly view the state as indifferent—or even hostile—to their cultural and linguistic rights. This alienation has led to growing solidarity within the community, with Tractor matches serving as one of the few public spaces where these grievances can be expressed.

Moreover, the refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue or address the root causes of these tensions risk turning localized frustrations into broader political demands. What begins as calls for cultural recognition could evolve into demands for regional autonomy or systemic changes to the way Iran manages its ethnic diversity. Such shifts would not only destabilize the Azerbaijani Turk-majority regions but could also encourage similar movements among other marginalized ethnic groups in Iran, such as Kurds, Arabs, and Baluchs.

The consequences of this repression extend beyond Iran’s borders. The suppression of Azerbaijani Turk identity is closely watched by neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey, both of which share deep cultural and linguistic ties with the community. Continued repression risks drawing criticism from these regional powers and could strain Iran’s diplomatic relationships, especially with Turkey, which has openly expressed concern about the treatment of ethnic Turks in Iran.

In summary, the Iranian government’s strategy of repression is not only failing to address the legitimate grievances of Azerbaijani Turks but is also exacerbating tensions and eroding national cohesion. Without a shift toward policies of inclusion and dialogue, these tensions will likely continue to escalate, threatening both domestic stability and Iran’s international standing. By silencing voices at Tractor matches, the government is ignoring a crucial opportunity to engage with a community that is seeking recognition, not separation. However, in the absence of meaningful reforms, this silence could lead to a louder and more disruptive demand for change.

Implications for Iran and Beyond

The role of Tractor Football Club highlights the deep challenges stemming from Iran’s longstanding policies of cultural homogenization and suppression of ethnic minorities. Rather than fostering unity through inclusivity, Iran’s centralized governance and Persian-centric policies have marginalized Azerbaijani Turks and other ethnic groups for decades. For Azerbaijani Turks, Tractor represents far more than a football team—it is a powerful symbol of resistance, pride, and an outlet for voicing deeply rooted grievances. Yet, the Iranian government’s ongoing attempts to suppress Azerbaijani Turk identity and culture have created fault lines that extend beyond domestic borders, threatening regional stability and complicating geopolitical dynamics.

One of the most immediate risks lies in the growing discontent in Iran’s northwestern provinces, home to a significant Azerbaijani Turk population. These regions, bordering the Republic of Azerbaijan, share deep cultural and linguistic ties with Azerbaijani Turks across the border. This shared identity intensifies tensions as the suppression of Azerbaijani Turk rights within Iran risks spilling over into the region’s politics. Calls for greater cultural and linguistic rights, if ignored, may escalate into demands for autonomy, raising fears of potential separatist movements. This threat extends beyond Azerbaijan-majority regions and could inspire similar resistance among other marginalized groups, such as Kurds in the west or Baluchs in the southeast, further straining Iran’s territorial integrity.

The proximity of Azerbaijani Turk-majority regions to Azerbaijan and Turkey also introduces a significant international dimension. Both Azerbaijan and Turkey have historically expressed concern over the treatment of Azerbaijani Turks in Iran, often framing their advocacy as a commitment to protecting Turkic peoples. Turkish officials and media, for instance, have openly criticized Iran’s assimilationist policies and systemic discrimination, contributing to growing international advocacy for the rights of Azerbaijani Turks. Such interventions have strained relations between Tehran and Ankara, adding another layer of complexity to regional politics.

Similarly, Azerbaijan has a vested interest in the situation of Azerbaijani Turks in Iran, given their shared cultural and linguistic heritage. Any escalation of ethnic tensions within Iran could resonate across the border, fueling nationalist sentiments in Azerbaijan. This dynamic could push Baku to take a more active stance in advocating for its ethnic kin, further straining its already fragile relationship with Tehran. As Azerbaijan emerges as a more assertive regional player, particularly following its victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, tensions with Iran over the treatment of Azerbaijani Turks could have far-reaching consequences for the region’s geopolitical stability (The Geopolitics).

The international attention on Iran’s suppression of Azerbaijani Turk identity further complicates the situation. Global human rights organizations have increasingly scrutinized reports of systemic discrimination, crackdowns on cultural expressions, and repression at Tractor matches. These reports have fed into a growing narrative of Iranian state repression, damaging the country’s international reputation. If left unaddressed, these tensions could undermine Iran’s ability to maintain its image as a unifying force in the Islamic world while emboldening Azerbaijani Turk activists and increasing international pressure on Tehran.

From a broader perspective, Iran’s suppression of its ethnic diversity reveals a strategy that prioritizes assimilation over inclusion. This approach is increasingly untenable in a world where ethnic consciousness and digital activism are on the rise. Azerbaijani Turks, like other marginalized groups, have used social media to bypass state-controlled narratives and amplify their grievances to a global audience. Iran’s continued refusal to engage with these demands’ risks alienating a vital segment of its population and destabilizing a strategically critical part of the country.

For neighboring countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan, the plight of Azerbaijani Turks presents both challenges and opportunities. While these nations could potentially mediate ethnic tensions in Iran, their involvement is likely to be perceived by Tehran as interference, further complicating regional dynamics. The cultural and linguistic solidarity between Azerbaijani Turks in Iran and their counterparts across the border could either foster greater regional cooperation or exacerbate tensions, depending on how Iran and its neighbors navigate this sensitive issue.

In conclusion, the treatment of Azerbaijani Turks is not just a domestic issue—it is emblematic of Iran’s broader strategy of suppressing minority identities under the guise of national unity. Rather than addressing legitimate grievances, Iran’s policies have alienated a vital segment of its citizenry and risk destabilizing not only the country’s internal fabric but also its regional relationships. Tractor Football Club, as a platform for resistance, demonstrates the resilience of Azerbaijani Turks in the face of cultural erasure. If Iran continues to ignore their demands for recognition, the resulting tensions could reverberate far beyond its borders, threatening both its stability and its standing in the region.

Closing Insights

The tensions surrounding Tractor Football Club reflect the deeper, systemic issues of ethnic inequality and cultural suppression in Iran. For Azerbaijani Turks, Tractor is far more than a sports team—it has become a powerful symbol of identity, pride, and resistance. Through this platform, Azerbaijani Turks have found one of the few public spaces to voice their grievances and assert their cultural and linguistic rights in the face of decades of deliberate assimilationist policies and systemic discrimination. However, the Iranian government’s reliance on suppression rather than genuine engagement, has only deepened the divide, further alienating one of the country’s largest ethnic communities and threatening its fragile national unity.

Iran’s approach to ethnic diversity has been one of forced homogenization rather than embracing the cultural richness of its multi-ethnic population. For decades, the state has sought to assimilate Azerbaijani Turks into a Persian-centric framework, suppressing their language, culture, and identity. These policies have not only marginalized Azerbaijani Turks but have also created significant social and political fault lines. Addressing these grievances would require systemic reforms that go beyond superficial rhetoric, including the recognition of linguistic rights, cultural inclusion, and fair political representation. However, such a shift would require a significant departure from the state’s longstanding policies of assimilation.

Failing to address these issues risks exacerbating the already growing ethnic mobilization among Azerbaijani Turks, particularly in regions like Azerbaijan Province, where dissatisfaction with state policies is high. Continued marginalization could lead to broader demands for autonomy or systemic changes, creating a ripple effect among other marginalized ethnic communities in Iran, such as Kurds or Baluchs. The government’s tendency to dismiss such activism as separatism only delegitimizes legitimate grievances, fueling resentment and making reconciliation increasingly difficult.

The international dimension of these tensions further complicates the situation. The plight of Azerbaijani Turks has drawn significant attention from neighboring countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which share cultural and linguistic ties with the community. Turkey, in particular, has positioned itself as a defender of Turkic peoples, frequently criticizing Iran’s assimilationist policies. If Iran fails to address the legitimate grievances of Azerbaijani Turks, it risks allowing external actors to influence the narrative, which could strain regional relations and further destabilize the country’s northwestern provinces.

Tractor Football Club has become more than a sports team—it is a collective voice for Azerbaijani Turks to assert their identity in the face of systemic erasure. However, this resistance is a stark reminder that the government’s suppression of ethnic identities is not sustainable in the long term. Continued repression risks transforming localized grievances into broader demands for cultural autonomy or political change, with implications that extend beyond Iran’s borders.

In conclusion, the tensions surrounding the Tractor Football Club are a direct result of Iran’s deliberate efforts to suppress ethnic identities under the guise of maintaining national unity. Addressing the grievances of Azerbaijani Turks requires far more than cosmetic changes or temporary fixes; it demands a fundamental shift toward inclusivity and recognition of diversity. Ignoring these demands will only deepen existing divisions, destabilize regions with strong ethnic identities, and risk significant domestic and regional consequences. If Iran continues on this path of suppression, it not only jeopardizes its internal cohesion but also risks further isolation in a region where identity and culture are deeply intertwined.

[Photo by Bakhish2010, via Wikimedia Commons]

Babek Chalabi, a PhD student in IT and a South Azerbaijani activist based in Washington, D.C., is the founder of ArazNews.org, a platform dedicated to raising awareness about South Azerbaijani issues. Chalabi actively shares insights on Twitter at @BabekChelebi. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of The Geopolitics