Irans' Perspective on the Real Azerbaijan: Historical Context and Modern Controversies

Iranians do not view the Republic of Azerbaijan as a fake state in the sense of it being a fictional or non-existent entity. However, the current geopolitical boundaries of our contemporary Azerbaijan differ significantly from its historical roots, which have been rebranded and repackaged over the course of the 20th century.

The Historical Roots of Modern Azerbaijan: A Descent into the Past

The territory that is now recognized internationally as the Republic of Azerbaijan has a rich and complex history different from its historical namesake within Iran. It is important to understand that the historical region known as Alban Aaran Shirvan and other designations within what is known today as Iran predate the modern concept of Azerbaijan. These historical regions have their own unique and ancient identities, cultures, and histories.

The United States of Modern Azerbaijan: A Rebranding Phenomenon

It is worth noting that nations can also undergo a form of rebranding, much like the concept of the United States. Just as the historical region of Atropatene was a significant area within ancient Iran, the term Azerbaijan has been repurposed and repackaged. The Azerbaijan that is now recognized globally is a modern nation state that has its own separate and distinct history and identity, separate from the historical region of Iran.

The Rebranding Process and Its Implications

During the 20th century, under the influence of Russian and Soviet occupation, the regions traditionally known as Arran, Shirvan, and southern Dagestan (all within present-day Iran) were rebranded as Azerbaijan, and the nationality was changed to Azerbaijani. This branding and rebranding has been a subject of both pride and controversy, especially among those who recognize the complex and distinct histories of these regions.

The rebranding as a new nation-state is symptomatic of a broader issue: the denial of the historical continuity and cultural heritage of the people living within these regions. It is a modern phenomenon where the concept of a nation-state is applied retroactively, leading to a lack of recognition for the true historical context and making it difficult for some to accept the current geopolitical boundaries.

The Mockery and Controversy

The neighbours and people within the historical region of Azerbaijan often find it amusing or even mocking when the government of the modern Republic of Azerbaijan claims historical achievements, places, and people that predate its own invention. This can be seen as a form of cultural arrogance, where the political leadership of the modern state attempts to impose its narrative on the broader historical context of the region.

For example, attempting to claim that the historical achievements and cultural heritage of Atropatene belong to the modern Republic of Azerbaijan disregards the centuries of significant historical milestones and identities that occurred within the region prior to the modern state's existence.

In this light, the rebranding of these historical regions can be seen as an attempt to claim a historical and cultural identity that is not necessarily shared by the people who currently live in these regions. Such actions can lead to a sense of disconnection and cultural alienation among the local populations, who recognize and celebrate their own unique historical and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The modern Republic of Azerbaijan is a modern invention, with its own distinct and distinct identity, rather than a continuation of a historical region within Iran. This makes it a complex issue for both historians and the public, who may have different perspectives on the region's historical and cultural identity. The rebranding process and the claims made by the modern Republic of Azerbaijan are often met with both respect and controversy, highlighting the challenges in reconciling the complex histories and identities of the region.

References

1. Atropatene (Wikipedia)

2. The Rebranding of Azerbaijan (Eurasianet)

3. Azerbaijan History in Iran (RFE/RL)