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After the dissolution of the USSR, newly independent states
wanted to create relations with their neighbor countries. Certainly it was
result of the security concerns. One of these
was created by Iran and Azerbaijan. IRI (Islamic
Republic of Iran) is not simple and ordinary state for Azerbaijan. Despite of
many common traditions, close historical ties, there are a lot of chronic
problems between Iran and Azerbaijan. Some analysts consider that these relations are one of the most complicated in the region. Lots of factors affect to relations between two countries and most of them would create problems
Main influential factors
The first and most important might be ethnic issues
and problems between Azerbaijan and Iran. However it is not just simple
problem, it has got very deep historical roots. We can see mainly two vision or
paradigm are core approach in this issue:
1.
“Perso-Centric”
approach. This approach claim that all Azerbaijan geographical phenomena (from
Derbent to Tabriz) is belong to Iran and these territories were historical
province of Great Persia. However after Russian’s conquest these areas
separated from Iran
2.
Azerbaijani
(Panturkism) approach. However proposals of “Panturkism” is- “Azerbaijan”
geographical phenomena is distinct from Iran. Moreover after “Turkmenchay
agreement”(This agreement was signed by Iran and Russia) South Azerbaijan
annexed to Iran.
Another influential factor might be considered secular
nature of Azerbaijan Republic. This nature threatened Iran because Iranian
elites consider that “secular Azerbaijan” can be model for Iranian Azerbaijanis
and other ethnics. Even during “Novruz” holiday about 40000 Iranian cross the
border to Azerbaijani side. Clear evidence to this threat is withdrawing of
Iranian ambassador during “Eurovision” song contest. However Iran also pursued
some policy to prevent secularism affect. Annually Iran spent enormous money to
help pro-iranian people in Azerbaijan.
With this way Iran wants to keep Azerbaijan within its orbit. Actually
Azerbaijan is the second biggest Shiite population in the world and this factor
also has significant influence to both sides. In addition Iran uses Shiite
tools on Azerbaijan relations easily. However Azerbaijan is not able to use
ethnic card against. Because mentality, culture and other things of Iran
Azerbaijanis look like to Persians.
” In this period, the processes in South Azerbaijan developed in a
different way. The historical past, religious unity in terms of Shi'ism,
cultural closeness, historical traditions of Persian language and literature,
and other related factors between Turks and Persians slowed the development of
a national movement in Iran. At the same time, the permanent threat from Russia
(Tsarist and Soviet) to the south has been an important factor in influencing
Azerbaijani Turks to put aside their national aspirations. That is why, when
the Russian aggression against Iran at the end of the 19th and early 20th
Centuries increased, the main theorists of Pan-Iranism appeared and they were
mostly Iranians of Turkish origin, such as Kasravi, Kazemzade, and Rezazade.”[1]
Relations as two independent states - Negatively
Neutral Relations
Since
1993, fluctuation period started between Iran and Azerbaijan. Both of states
abstain from harsh action but it changed in 2001 when Iranian maritime power
threatened oil field of Azerbaijan. In addition in this period Iranian airforce
constantly violated Azerbaijan borders. However after keen statement from
Turkish side these violating stopped by Iran. Azerbaijan answered it with
arresting islamist in Baku. From 2001 to 2011 can be considered as gold period
between two states. Initially Azerbaijan tone down military relations with
Israel. As a result Iran declared that it recognize territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan. Furthermore trading volume increased to $539 million.
Since
2011, relations between two states have again deteriorated. Actually,
Azerbaijan played catalyst role and we can say behave boldly. Azerbaijan
purchased $1,9 worth of Israel weapons,
including aerial vehicles and anti-ship missiles. Obviously Azerbaijan could
not use anti-ship missiles against Armenia, it could use by Azerbaijan in the
Caspian Sea. It was clear that Baku preparing any possible conflict with Iran.
Thus Iran answered it with vitalize of pro Iranian groups in Azerbaijan and
started to affect with media (Sahar TV)
which was broadcasting in the southern region of Azerbaijan.
Problem around Caspian Sea
Islamic
Republic of Iran have played an active role to struggling over Caspian Sea.
Because new oil producer ( Azerbaijan) and western investments threatened Iran
and it was opposite to national interest if Iran. Thus Iran started to make
problematic and debatable issues around Caspian Sea. Initially Iran claimed
that Caspian Sea should divide into national sectors but then it understood
that it would create chance for western companies. Iran changed its proposals
and advocated to share all resources of Caspian Sea among the border countries.
However in 1998 at a Moscow meeting Iran declared Caspian Sea should divide 5
equal sectors. As a result from my point of view the main problem is that Iran
threat that through Azerbaijan western companies and states couls maintained in
Caspian region.
Conclusion
Consequently historical and global issues affect
relation between Azerbaijan and Iran. The roots of these problematic relations
might be historical issues. However nowadays mostly regional and global issues
affect to this relation. Acts of global actors change attitudes of both states
and relation remain as complicated today.
Emil Agazade
Sources:
1. George
Washington University: Ponars Euroasia.
Anar M. Valiyev. Azerbaijan-Iran Relations: Quo
Vadis, Baku? 2012 September.
2. Nasib.Nasibli. Azerbaijan- Iran Relations: Challenges
and Prospects (Event Summary)
3. PhD Bahman Aghai Diba.
Relations
of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan: Potential friends and enemies. 2015
4. Jamil
Hasanli, At the Dawn of the Cold War: The Soviet-American Crisis over Iranian
Azerbaijan, 1941-1946. 2006
[1] Nassibli, Nasib L. "Azerbaijan- Iran Relations:
Challenges and Prospects (Event Summary)." Kennedy School of Government,
Harvard University.
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