Following the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom protests, international support poured in from countries such as the US, Canada, and various European nations. These countries aimed to back the people of Iran in their demand for social change. However, the movements witnessed within Iran surprised many in the international community, as the protests were led by minority groups, notably Azerbaijanis, among others. The support initiatives of these countries, while substantial, were limited in impact due to a lack of data on the socio-political dynamics of minority populations in Iran. This lack of insight contributed to misunderstandings about the motivations and roles of these groups in the protests.

 

 

 

Given these limitations, the need for detailed information from regions with limited access to open data sources has become clear. This project addresses this gap by directly surveying the Azerbaijani population in Iran. The project collects information on factors that influence socio-political views, including economic conditions, language use, religious practices, migration patterns, and engagement with political processes. The objective is to capture data that remains unavailable through other methods, documenting the social realities and political perspectives that shape the experiences of Azerbaijani Iranians.

 

 

 

 

This data can play an important role in informing international understanding and policy decisions concerning Iran. By making information available about the socio-political landscape of Azerbaijanis in Iran, this survey creates a resource for governments, research institutions, and NGOs. In particular, the data collected will provide insight into the role minority groups play in political movements, their perspectives on governance, and the social issues they prioritize. This allows for informed support strategies that align more closely with the needs and goals of these populations.

 

 

 

In essence, this project functions as a bridge to uncover the experiences of Azerbaijanis in Iran. It sheds light on how specific socio-economic and cultural factors affect their views and interactions within a national context often lacking transparency. This data also highlights the challenges faced by this group, from economic pressures to the effects of policy decisions on regional development. By documenting these factors in detail, the survey will serve as a source for more accurate assessments and facilitate support efforts that recognize the diversity within Iran's population and the complex issues they face.

Our specific objectives and purpose, include:

 

a. To conduct and disseminate high-quality, objective polling and surveys that offer insights into the dynamics, including socio-political trends, economic conditions, and cultural shifts of minorities in Iran.

 

b. To produce and publish scholarly articles and reports that provide in-depth analysis contributing to the global understanding of minorities in Iran.

 

c. To offer robust datasets and analytical tools for academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in Middle Eastern studies with the focus on Iran, facilitating informed decision-making and academic research.

 

d. To engage in policy analysis that aids in developing informed and effective strategies for addressing key issues regarding marginalized national minorities in Iran.

 

e. To organize and participate in seminars, conferences, and other events that promote dialogue, disseminate research findings, and encourage collaboration among scholars and experts.

 

f. To offer consulting and advisory services to organizations, governments, and other entities interested in minority studies and policy development in Iran.