During World War II, Iran became a focal point of international strategic interest due to its geopolitical position and natural resources, particularly oil. In 1941, British and Soviet forces jointly occupied Iran to secure supply lines and prevent any Axis influence in the region. The Soviet Union took control of northern Iran, where it began exerting its political influence, particularly in the Azerbaijan and Kurdistan regions. This occupation played a crucial role in fostering the conditions that led to the creation of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan.
The Formation of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan
The Democratic Party of Azerbaijan was officially founded on September 12, 1945, under the leadership of Jafar Pishevari, a seasoned Azerbaijani political activist and journalist with strong communist leanings. Pishevari, along with several other Azerbaijani intellectuals and political figures, sought to address the grievances of the Azerbaijani population through a structured political movement.
The party was launched with the issuance of a 12-point statement, which outlined its key objectives and demands. The primary goals included:
- Granting greater local administrative powers to Azerbaijan.
- Recognizing and institutionalizing the teaching of Azerbaijani Turkish in schools alongside Persian.
- Implementing land reforms to benefit the rural population and reduce economic disparities.
- Encouraging economic development and investment in the Azerbaijan region.
- Establishing a decentralized political system that would allow regions more autonomy within Iran.
- Promoting the cultural and linguistic rights of Azerbaijanis.
- Strengthening the participation of Azerbaijani representatives in the national government.
- Ensuring fair distribution of resources and economic benefits across different regions of Iran.
- Protecting the rights of workers and farmers through progressive labor laws.
- Advocating for democratic governance and political participation.
- Reducing the influence of feudal landowners in Azerbaijani politics.
- Establishing friendly relations with neighboring countries, particularly the Soviet Union.