IRAN’S CONTROVERSIAL POSITION ON THE USE OF THE NAME “AZERBAIJAN” DURING THE PERIOD OF THE AZERBAIJAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

Abstract

On May 28, 1918, the proclamation of an independent state under the name of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus was met with strong objections from Iran. The official circles of Iran perceived the designation of the newly established state as “Azerbaijan” along its northern borders as a potential territorial claim over Southern Azerbaijan in the future.

From late 1917 onwards, the issue concerning the appellation “Azerbaijan” emerged in the Iranian press and, until the end of 1919, became one of the central topics of discussion in both Iranian and Azerbaijani media. Although Iranian public figures and writers sought to advance claims regarding the use of the name “Azerbaijan” in both official and unofficial press outlets, M. A. Rasulzadeh and other leaders of the Republic firmly and scientifically refuted these biased assertions of Iran.

This article, on a scholarly basis, elucidates the principal reasons underlying Iran’s opposition to the name “Azerbaijan” and substantiates the historical foundations of Azerbaijan’s national identity.