It has been 20 years since the May Uprising in Southern Azerbaijan

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It has been 20 years since the May Uprising in Southern Azerbaijan

2026.05.22, 11:42

The publication of a caricature depicting Turks as insects in the 12 May 2006 issue of the newspaper “Iran,” an official organ of the Iranian state, caused widespread outrage in Southern Azerbaijan.

Gunaz.tv

Azerbaijanis began protests in the cities and towns where they lived.

Cities such as Tabriz, Urmia, Ardabil, Sulduz, Marand, Khoy, Maku, Miyaneh, Meshginshahr, and others were quickly engulfed by mass demonstrations, and the situation lasted for several days.

Iranian law enforcement agencies attempted to suppress the peaceful protests using force.

During those demonstrations, dozens of compatriots were killed as a result of gunfire by Iranian security forces, hundreds were injured, and many protesters were arrested.

Iranian intelligence and security agencies continued mass arrests even months after the incident.

These bloody protests became known in Azerbaijani history as the 22 May events (1 Khordad events) and the National Uprising.

Although the May events began with the insult published by the “Iran” newspaper, they were also linked to years of pressure against Azerbaijani Turks by Persian chauvinism.

According to commentators, the Azerbaijani people’s exhaustion from Persian chauvinism and the Iranian regime led to such a strong reaction to the newspaper “Iran.”

The May 2006 events were also reflected in regional and global media. For 20 years now, Azerbaijanis—especially activists of the Azerbaijani National Movement—have been commemorating this day in various forms and insisting on continuing the path of the martyrs.

They distribute leaflets in Southern Azerbaijani cities, hold meetings, visit the graves of the martyrs, pay respects to their families, and write national slogans on walls.

On social media, weeks before the anniversary of the National Uprising, photos of those who sacrificed their lives are shared, and the details of the uprising are discussed. Azerbaijanis living abroad, especially National Movement activists, hold protests in front of Iranian embassies, organize various events, and issue statements in this regard.

After the May 2006 events, the Azerbaijani National Movement entered a new phase, and the struggle against Persian chauvinism continued.

Despite pressure from the Iranian regime, the struggle for national identity and the mother tongue in Southern Azerbaijan has further expanded.

It should be noted that during those protests, hundreds of Azerbaijanis were arrested, and several people were shot and killed by government officials.

According to official state reports, 330 people were arrested and 4 people lost their lives.

According to unofficial reports, the number of detainees reached thousands, and the number of those killed was reported as 30, of whom the identities of 14 have been confirmed.

GUNAZ.TV

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