We begin tonight’s edition of A Window to the Fatherland with Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh reading one of his poems from the book of his collected works.
Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh:
We continue tonight’s program by reporting on the latest news of Iran and then will talk to our special guest Dr. Cyrus Kangarlou who has just returned from Azerbaijan, who would share with us his experience of his trip to the historic province of Iran.
Dr. Cyrus Kangarlou:
In my view, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan and Baluchestan are all the same. However, not many people realize the importance of Azerbaijan.
The ancient name of this important province during the stone ages used to be Atropatena. In my research I have found out that my own ancestors, including Mossadeq Khan Kangarlou and Sardar Assad Kangarlou have been at the forefront of fighting to preserve this land against foreign invaders.
Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh:
Some of our fellow Iranians insists that they are from Turkey and their ancestors came from the Central Asian countries, while it is a historical fact that the Persian language has always been spoken in the province. When did the Turkish language enter Azerbaijan of Iran?
Dr. Cyrus Kangarlou:
About four hundred years ago nobody spoke a word of Turkish in Azerbaijan and they all spoke Farsi. It was Shah Ismail I who united the many clans of the province and Turkish language entered the land.
I was invited to a party and someone gave me a note which read please do not mention “Azerbaijan of Iran”. However, during our conversations when they found out who I am, they told me that they owe their identity to my ancestors.
Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh:
Was your trip for an economic project?
Dr. Cyrus Kangarlou:
Yes, we were involved in a fish breeding project and a few other projects. During our trip I sopped by to buy a pair of boots and when the shopkeeper found out who I was he took me to the town’s main square and showed me the statue of my ancestor Sardar Assad Kangarlou.
We also visited the home of a former minister who showed me a book that Empress Farah had given to him.
I also saw a framed photo of Reza Shah in there and our host told me that they regard Reza Shah as the founding father of Azerbaijan.
In the next stage of our journey we entered China and arrived at a village and noticed that the villagers were celebrating Nowruz and some of them could speak a few Persian words.
Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh:
I remember when I visited there children were singing the song “We are the Children of Iran” and people were reciting the poems of Ferdowsi.
Dr. Cyrus Kangarlou:
I wish I could be able to carry the wealth of our Iranian culture on my shoulders where I go.
Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh:
Stay with us for this edition of A Window to the Fatherland and share it with your family and friends.