The Effects Of Reza Shah Pehlevi Period On The Identity Process Of Iranian Turks

Abstract

The Iranian geography was generally ruled by different dynasties of Turkish origin from the 11th century, when the Seljuks dominated this region, until the first quarter of the 20th century. However, with the rise of Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925, a process of identity construction was initiated in Iran, centering on Persian identity and based on the pacification of other identities. The aim of this study, written with the qualitative research method, is to examine the impact of the aforementioned policies implemented during the Reza Shah Pahlavi period on the identity process of the Turkish communities living in Iran. It seeks answers to questions such as what was the reaction of the Turkish communities in Iran to Reza Shah’s Persianization policies, what was the impact of these policies on the formation of Turkish identity in Iran, what was the impact of these policies on the increase of Turkish nationalist discourse in Iran, and how was the place of Persian and Turkish ethnic identity positioned within the identity discourse of Iranian Turks. The study in question is important in that it sheds light on an important issue that is still relevant, namely the determination of the place and position of Turkish identity in Iran. The findings of the research are as follows: While some of the Azerbaijani Turks have adopted an identity understanding that serves the discourse of Iranianization and Persianization and have been under the influence of the Persianization policy and Persian identity, the vast majority have shown a tendency to protect their own identity consciousness and to highlight their Turkish identity. The Qashgais acted with the spirit of tribal solidarity during these periods, but their power and population were largely eliminated during this time. Among the Turkmens who belong to the Sunni sect, Sunnism and tribal solidarity have had a strong influence on the formation of identity and national identity. The reason why Turkmens are the Turkish group that is most loyal to their identity and national identity and most preserving their traditional characteristics is due to the shaping effect of the Sunni sect they belong to on their identity and national identity and the geography they are located in. The tribal solidarity among the Shahsevan and Kalaj tribes is less than that of other Turkish tribes. Their small numbers also played an effective role in the assimilation process.