From national identity to political movement: The rise of the national self-awareness process of Azerbaijanis in Iran between 1921 and 1946

The aim of the study is to comprehensively examine the rise of the national self-awareness process of Azerbaijanis in Iran in 1921–1946 and the mechanisms of the transition of this process from national identity to political movement. The first half of the 20th century in Iranian history is characterized by political modernization, centralizing state policies, and the activation of regional forces. In this context, the development of the national consciousness of Turks living in Iranian Azerbaijan, the formation of their political positions, and attempts to organize on the basis of collective identity are of particular importance. The article analyzes the social, cultural, and political aspects of the process of national self-awareness, examining its interaction with general political changes in the region, international influences, and the policies of the central government. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicity and objectivity. Along with source and historiographic analysis, a comparative-historical approach, political-sociological analysis, content analysis, and historical-systematic methods were applied. This methodological framework has allowed the topic to be addressed with both factual richness and theoretical foundations. The scientific novelty of the results obtained is that the topic is interpreted not only on the basis of the chronological sequence of historical events, but also within the framework of national identity and political mobilization approaches. At the same time, the relationship between the internal political environment of Iran and the national movement of Azerbaijani Turks in the 1920s–1940s is examined for the first time using a systematic and comparative method. This approach allows us to clarify both the dynamics of the process of national self-awareness and the stages of its transformation into political organization. Results: The 1945-1946 South Azerbaijan National Liberation Movement demonstrated the national development of South Azerbaijanis under pressure in Iran and the degree to which ethnic identity, which is a key aspect of national formation, was preserved. The organization and activities of the national government clearly demonstrated the connection between the Azerbaijani language issue and socio-political issues with the Soviet Union and Northern Azerbaijan. The research conducted shows that the path from national identity consciousness to political movement during 1921–1946 was not only the product of local events, but also a complex and multifaceted process shaped by the influence of regional and international contexts.