The Azerbaijan People’s Government and the Formation of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan
Introduction
The Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (DPA) was a political organization established in Tabriz on September 12, 1945. This party played a significant role in the establishment of the short-lived autonomous government of Azerbaijan, which became one of the key events in Iranian history and an early flashpoint in the Cold War. The party was formed three months after the secret decree of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Soviet Union, demonstrating the involvement of external geopolitical forces, particularly the USSR, in shaping the political landscape of northern Iran.
Background and Political Climate
To understand the formation of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, it is essential to consider the broader political and historical context of the region. By the mid-20th century, Iran was experiencing significant political and social unrest. The central government, under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, faced opposition from various political factions, including leftists, nationalists, and ethnic minorities. Among these groups, the Azerbaijani population in the northwestern part of Iran was particularly vocal about their demands for greater autonomy and cultural rights.