21 Azer – December 12, 1946: The Historical and Political Significance of South Azerbaijan

Safarali Qulizade (Safar Ayaz), November 29, 2024

The events of December 12, 1946, mark a pivotal moment in the history of South Azerbaijan, remembered as “21 Azer.” This date signifies not only a key chapter in the region’s political and cultural struggle but also sheds light on the complex interplay of geopolitical, social, and nationalistic movements based on Persian racism in the mid-20th century.

On December 12, 1946, the Iranian army occupied Tabriz city after the massacres in Zanjan, Middle and other parts of Azerbaijan, to take revenge on the people of South Azerbaijan. Iran’s army was killing people in the streets and alleys of Tabriz, destroying people’s homes and workplaces, and killing the people of Azerbaijan. In addition to killing and looting, they also raped girls and women. According to eyewitnesses, corpses were piled up on the sidewalks in the streets of the city.

During a few months in that year of terror, killing and crime, about 30,000 Azerbaijani men, women, children, old and young were killed by the Iranian army. It was a terrible massacre against humanity. In Tabriz, during those months of terror in the history of the people of Azerbaijan, there was not a day that several people of Azerbaijan were not hanged on the gallows in the main square of the city (Saat Qabaghi). In other cities of Azerbaijan, including Sarab, Ardabil, Khoy and Urmia, the army of murderers did not stop any crimes and atrocities. In the cities and villages of Azerbaijan, the invading Iranian army has committed all kinds of anti-human acts in the killing of Azerbaijani people and even did not shy away from ripping pregnant women’s bellies and killing young children and infants.

December 1946 is an obvious example of systematic government repression in Iran. Despite signing an official and legal contract and committing to fulfil the demands of the local government of Azerbaijan, the Iranian government at that time marched into Azerbaijan and killed or imprisoned tens of thousands of rights-seeking and freedom-loving people of this region and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. According to documented statistics, they killed more than 30 thousand oppressed people of Azerbaijan and displaced hundreds of thousands of them.

One of the barbaric actions of the Iranian government, in addition to the killings, is the burning of hundreds of thousands of books in various fields in the Azerbaijani Turkish language in various cities of Azerbaijan, especially Tabriz. The example of these book-burners of Iran’s government in Azerbaijan is perhaps comparable to that of Hitler’s rule in Germany. On the 13th of December, an official ceremony with the presence of Iranian government officials was held in several squares. On that day, students were required to burn books written in their mother tongue to get permission to continue their studies. Government officials even destroyed the University of Tabriz.

“Azerbaijan has an ancient history with a suitable climate for agriculture, the religion of Zoroastrianism arose from there in 6 centuries BC and its teachings have been the constant struggle between good and evil, Azerbaijan has been a land of movements and a kind of wake-up call for everyone… the people of Azerbaijan They are hardworking, serious and brave, and they have stable friendship… Azerbaijanis do not have a desire for communism, but they feel friendship and neighbourliness towards Russians… The army entered Azerbaijan shouting and ransacking, looting and brutalizing, leaving terrible wounds. Following the army’s attack, the roads were closed, and livestock and cattle perished. For example, 50 people out of 300 inhabitants of the village (where I was there) died from cold and hunger, many were unable to speak because of extreme hunger. in Tabriz, I witnessed people from different regions of Azerbaijan who were thin, stunted, tired and ragged. I think that if one day there are free elections in Azerbaijan, Peshavari will come to power with 90% of the people’s votes.” (Part of the book by William Douglas, American lawyer)

Historical Context

South Azerbaijan, home to a significant Azerbaijani population, has long been a region of cultural richness and political significance. During the early 20th century, the broader Azerbaijani community, spanning both sides of the Araz River (in modern-day Iran and Azerbaijan), grappled with the challenges of preserving its linguistic and cultural identity under Persian-dominated governance in Iran.

The events leading to 21 Azer unfolded against the backdrop of World War II. Iran, under Reza Shah Pahlavi, had adopted policies aimed at centralizing governance, often suppressing the cultural and linguistic diversity of non-Persian ethnic groups. The Azerbaijani population faced marginalization, with restrictions on the use of their language and limited representation in the national government. However, the geopolitical upheaval caused by the war provided an opening for marginalized groups to assert their identity and seek greater autonomy.

The Rise of the South Azerbaijan National Government

After the Allied occupation of Iran during World War II, the South Azerbaijan movement advocating for self-governance and cultural rights emerged. In 1945, the South Azerbaijan National Government was established under the leadership of Ja’far Pishevari. The government aimed to promote the rights of Azerbaijani people, including:

• The use of the Azerbaijani language in schools and administration.
• Local governance and economic reforms.
• Cultural revival and preservation of Azerbaijani heritage.

For a year, this semi-autonomous government implemented progressive policies that resonated with the Azerbaijani population.

The Fall of the South Azerbaijan National Government

As the post-World War II geopolitical landscape shifted, so did the fate of the South Azerbaijan National Government. The withdrawal of Soviet troops in early 1946, under pressure from Western powers, left the movement isolated. On December 12, 1946 (21 Azer), Iranian forces entered Tabriz, dismantling the South Azerbaijan National Government, killing more than 30,000 Azerbaijani people and forcing hundreds of thousands of them to migrate from their lands.

The fall of the South Azerbaijan National government was marked by widespread suppression. Leaders and activists faced imprisonment, exile, or execution, while the cultural and linguistic gains of the movement were systematically rolled back. The event remains a painful memory for many Azerbaijanis, symbolizing the struggle for autonomy and the challenges of asserting ethnic identity within a centralized state.

Legacy and Significance

The events of 21 Azer continue to hold deep significance for South Azerbaijan and the broader Azerbaijani community. Key aspects of its legacy include:

1. Cultural Identity

The South Azerbaijan National Government’s brief tenure highlighted the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural rights. This remains a cornerstone of the South Azerbaijani movement in Iran.

2. Geopolitical Lessons

The movement underscored the risks of overreliance on external powers, such as the Soviet Union, in pursuing local autonomy.

3. Symbol of Resistance

For many, 21 Azer symbolizes the enduring struggle for self-determination, justice, freedom and recognition of ethnic diversity within Iran.

4. Policy Implications:

The central government’s suppression of regional autonomy has left a lasting impact on Iran’s political landscape, shaping policies on ethnic minorities and regional governance.

Conclusion

The events of 21 Azer – December 12, 1946 -, serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by South Azerbaijan in asserting its identity and rights within the framework of a centralized state. While the South Azerbaijan national Government was short-lived, its legacy endures in the cultural consciousness and aspirations of the South Azerbaijani nation.