Tabriz: APA presents Mohammad Rahmanifar’s article ‘Historical Continuity in Contemporary Azerbaijani History: From Sattar Khan to Pishavari’ as part of the ‘Explore South Azerbaijan’ project. The article examines the interconnectedness of three major uprisings in South Azerbaijan’s history: the Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911), the Sheikh Mohammad Khiabani uprising (1920), and the Azerbaijan National Government (1945-1946).
According to Azeri-Press news agency, these movements are viewed differently by various groups, with some considering figures like Sattar Khan as heroes, while others see them as traitors. The article argues against such polarized views, suggesting that historical figures should be evaluated within the context of their time and historical continuity. It points out that despite distinct characteristics, these movements are integral parts of the last 150 years of South Azerbaijani history, influencing and shaping one another.
The article highlights a statement by General Jafar Kavyan of the Azerbaijan National Government, emphasizing lessons learned from past mistakes and the importance of fighting for Azerbaijan’s autonomy. The respect shown to Sattar Khan and the constitutional fighters during the period of the Azerbaijan National Government is noted, as well as the involvement of many constitutionalist fighters in the Azerbaijani Democratic Party.
The Great People’s Congress of 1945, a pivotal moment establishing the Azerbaijan National Government, began with a speech by Sattar Khan’s brother, Haji Azim Khan. This event signifies the interconnectedness of the movements and the respect for past leaders. The article suggests that without the experiences from the Constitutional Revolution, the decision to establish the National Government might not have been made.
The article further examines the continuity between the movements, noting the involvement of key figures across different uprisings. General Jafar Kavyan, a child during the Constitutional Revolution, played a significant role in the Khiyabani movement and later served as the Minister of War in the Azerbaijan National Government. This continuity is also reflected in the name of the Azerbaijani Democratic Party, which traces its origins back to the early 20th century and was reused by Pishevari in the 1940s.
In conclusion, the article argues that the historical events in South Azerbaijan should be viewed not as isolated incidents but as part of a complex historical continuum. The shared name of the Democratic Party across different periods underscores the idea of succession rather than opposition among the leaders of these movements. The article reinforces the notion of historical continuity as a guiding principle in understanding the interconnectedness of South Azerbaijan’s revolutionary history.