IranAzerbaijan

Iran Azerbaijan refers to the Azerbaijani people and culture found within the modern-day nation of Iran. The Azerbaijani Turks, also known as Iranian Azerbaijanis, are a significant ethnic minority, predominantly residing in the northwestern region of Iran. This region is often colloquially referred to as Southern Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani language, a Turkic language closely related to Turkish, is widely spoken in this area. Historically, the Azerbaijani people have played a crucial role in the cultural and political landscape of Iran, contributing to its rich heritage in literature, music, and arts. The region boasts a history that predates the formation of modern Iran and Azerbaijan, with periods of distinct political entities.

Major cities in Iranian Azerbaijan include Tabriz, Urmia, Ardabil, and Zanjan, which serve as centers of Azerbaijani culture and commerce. The relationship between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, the independent nation to its north, is complex, marked by shared cultural and historical ties alongside political considerations. While Iranian Azerbaijanis maintain a strong sense of identity and cultural connection to their heritage, they are citizens of Iran and their political and social status is integrated within the Iranian state. The cultural influence of Iranian Azerbaijan extends to various aspects of Iranian society.