Day 2 - The Turkic-Speaking Ethnic Groups in Iran

The Turkic-speaking population of Iran, which includes not only the Azarbaijanis (who constitute the majority of this mass), but also Qashqai’s, Turkomans, etc., plays an important role in the socio-economic and political life of the country. Azarbaijanis mostly inhabit the north-western parts of Iran, where they constitute a majority in the provinces of East Azarbaijan, Ardabil and Qazvin. There are also many of them who live in Tehran. The case of the Turkic-speaking Azarbaijanis is a very interesting one for a number of reasons, especially because of the geopolitical factors. Their newly-forming ethnic consciousness has come into conflict with their national identity, which might be partially fueled by the two northern neighbours of Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

  1. Curriculum
  2. Intermediate Persian Syllabus
  3. Week 9 - Identity Persian
  4. Day 2 - The Turkic-Speaking Ethnic Groups in Iran  

Reading: Today’s reading material is a segment from prominent Iranian historian and linguist Ahmad Kasravi’s monumental work “Azari, ya zaban-e bastan-e Azarbaygan” (“Azari, or the ancient language of Azerbaijan”). See the pages 15-16 of the following PDF file. 

Listening: Football games in Iran are among the arenas where political controversies and ethnic nationalism often boil over. In this broadcast of “Cheshmandaz”, an analytical program by Iran International, the controversial events surrounding a 2019 soccer match between Tabriz's Tractor Sazi and Tehran's Esteghlal teams are discussed and debated. In particular, the program highlights chants by Tractor fans promoting separatist messages and expressing support for the Turkish army.

Subject of Conversation: Language, ethnicity and national identity (زبان، قومیت و هویت ملی)

In this group discussion, students will reflect on the relationship between language, ethnic identity, and national belonging, with a particular focus on the Turkic-speaking ethnic groups in Iran. The discussion will touch on how linguistic and ethnic identities interact with broader national dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on using key vocabulary from the day’s reading and listening materials to express complex ideas in Persian. Students will be encouraged to share their opinions, compare regional dynamics, and ask one another questions in Persian. 

Homework: 
- Complete reading the text provided in the reading section and learn the vocabulary.
- Do some research and write a short essay with one of the following titles: “The name of Azarbaijan”; “The language of Azarbaijan”; “Pan-Turkism in Iran”; “The Turkic-speaking population of Iran”.
- Prepare for tomorrow’s discussion.