“TURKISM” FACTOR IN IRAN-AZERBAIJAN RELATIONS (1991-2016)

Abstract

In the current article, we studied the impact of the “Turkism” factor on Iran-Azerbaijan relations after the USSR collapse. Conditionally, we can consider that “Turkism” was formed in 1991-1993, and it began to spread in 1993-2003. In 2003-2016, “Turkism” became one of the effective instruments of putting pressure on Iran. During Abulfaz Elchibey’s presidency (1992-1993) in Azerbaijan, Baku’s actions were a direct threat to Iran’s territorial integrity. During Heydar Aliyev’s presidency (1993-2003), instead of openly speculating on “Turkism” factor, Azerbaijan’s new authorities began to form turkic nationalistic groups with Turkey’s help. During the second phase of Ilham Aliyev’s presidency, “Turkism” became one of the most effective instruments of putting pressure on Iran, and the Azerbaijani authorities adopted a more aggressive policy. In the last decade, due to developments in Atropatene (the provinces of East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan), the threat of the “Turkism” factor has significantly increased. The government of Hassan Rouhani, the current president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has made a number of reforms in order to satisfy the needs of Iran’s Turkic-speaking population and to prevent contrasts. Therefore, he in fact deprived Azerbaijan of the opportunity to speculate “Turkism” question.