The Voice of Mirza Xazar

Tens of thousands of Azerbaijanis in Iran attended annual celebrations on 1 July 2001 to mark the birthday of Babek, the leader of the armed resistance to Arab conquerors in 816 A.D. Babek is a symbol of resistance not only against Arab conquerors but also the religion (Islam) they were trying to introduce in the area. In 816 A.D. Azerbaijanis headed by Babek rose up in arms against their conquerors. Armed resistance lasted almost 20 years. The army of the Arab Halifat finally managed to defeat Babek's forces at the Bazz fortress (about 300 km from Tabriz, the administrative center of Iranian Azerbaijan).
Estimates of the number of Azerbaijanis who attended celebrations at the hill where the Bazz fortress is located in June 2000 range from tens of thousands to 300,000 people. The number of people participating in this year's celebrations is estimated at around 500,000. This information is hard to confirm, but the interest of the local population in their national hero is significant. Some local observers suggest that this mass gathering could indicate increased national awareness among Azerbaijanis in Iran.
The exact number of Azerbaijanis in Iran is not known. Estimates vary between 15 and 30 million. Local intellectuals have repeatedly criticized the government of Iran for neglecting the cultural demands of Azerbaijanis, depriving them from the right to education in their native language. More than 20 Azerbaijani-language newspapers have begun publication since Mohammed Khatami became president of Iran. But the Iranian authorities have failed to fulfill their promises to grant Azerbaijanis greater cultural autonomy.
(Mirza Khazar - 3 July 2001)

RFE/RL Azerbaijan Report