The publication of a cartoon depicting Turks as insects in the May 12, 2006 edition of the state-run Iranian newspaper Iran sparked widespread outrage across South Azerbaijan. Azerbaijanis began demonstrations in the cities and towns where they lived.
Within a short period, mass protests spread across cities including Tabriz, Urmia, Ardabil, Sulduz, Marand, Khoy, Maku, Miyana, Meshginshahr, and others, with the unrest continuing for days.
Iranian law enforcement forces attempted to suppress the peaceful protests through the use of force.During the demonstrations, dozens of Azerbaijanis were killed after Iranian security forces opened fire, hundreds were injured, and numerous protesters were arrested.
Iran’s security agencies continued carrying out mass arrests for several months after the events.These bloody protests became known in Azerbaijani history as the “22 May Events” (1 Khordad Events) and the “National Uprising.”
Although the May events were triggered by an offensive publication in the Iran newspaper, they were also rooted in years of pressure and discrimination against Azerbaijanis linked to Persian chauvinism.
Growing frustration among the Azerbaijani population toward Persian chauvinism and the Iranian regime led to the strong reaction against the Iran newspaper.
The May 2006 events also received coverage in regional and international media. For the past 20 years, Azerbaijanis — particularly activists of the Azerbaijani National Movement — have commemorated the date in various ways, emphasizing their determination to continue the path of those who lost their lives.
They distribute leaflets in South Azerbaijani cities, organize meetings, visit the graves of those killed, meet with their families, and write national slogans on walls.
On social media, weeks before the anniversary of the National Uprising, images of those who died during the events are widely shared and discussions about the details of the uprising intensify. Azerbaijanis living abroad, especially National Movement activists, organize protests in front of Iranian embassies, hold various events, and issue statements related to the anniversary.
Following 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, efforts to promote national identity and mother-tongue rights in South Azerbaijan have continued to expand.
During the protests, hundreds of Azerbaijanis were arrested and several people were shot dead by government officials.Official state reports claimed that 330 people were arrested and four people lost their lives.Unofficial reports, however, stated that the number of detainees reached into the thousands and that 30 people were killed, with the identities of 14 victims reportedly confirmed.
