In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Riotand disturbances in Azarbayjan
The foreigners are not familiar with the nature of the chivalrous people of Tabriz and the condition of Azarbayjan and do not know that these people have always been the supporters of Islam and Iran. However, these, riots and disturbances create a wrong impression on the minds of the foreigners. But the fact is that there are a bunch of rioters who once in a while come together on a spot and start disturbances. They bring disgrace on our Azarbayjani population in this way. These agitators would go to Azarbayjan villages and deceptively goad the villagers into rioting. However, these simple-hearted people are not aware of the plans behind the scene. The agitators do things which are against Islam so that the ill fame then will fall on the Azarbayjanis.
From the very start of our revolution we have recognized these agitators and rioters. They hate Islam, and from the outset they have been trying hard to stop the establishment of an Islamic Republic in Iran. You clearly saw that they stopped people from voting for such a republic. Even some of the vote-boxes were set afire and people were threatened with weapons not to vote. Thus, they have systematically opposed the Islamic Revolution. They are still our harsh opponents. The reason for their opposition is crystal-clear: They are the remnants of the deposed Shah and those who were expelled from Iran. They have been badly hurt by Islam. Therefore, they are unwilling to let Islam flourish in Iran. Now it is up to our Azarbayjani youth and gentlemen to remove this kind of enmity towards Islam.
have always been with the movements
have always been the protectors of Islam, and have been pioneers in the issues raised in this country. They have always stood from against injustices. In their attempts to establish a constitutional regime in Iran, Sattar Khan and Baqir Khan carried out a lot of courageous acts. «1» Khiyabani, «2» another Azarbayjani, performed heroic feats, too. During our time, the movement against Rida Khan started with the Azarbayjanis. Mirza Sadiq Aqa, «3» and Angajee, «4» together with other religious leaders, opposed despotism. They were sent on exile for a long time. They were either sent to Sonqor or Saqqez. Azarbayjan has always been the forerunner in its opposition against the agitators, and in the advancement of Islam. Then a bunch of rioters, rascals and agitators come together and established a political party called Furqan, «5» who assassinate Mr. Mutahhari and Mr. Qazi, and another such a belligerent group called" the communist people's guerrillas." These groups are repelled by Islam and by the Islamic Republic. These groups set fire on the places where Muslims gather to worship God. They have set the place for congregational prayers afire, they have assaulted and injured the worshippers. The mental status of these agitators is clear. One's actions always depict his spiritual conditions. Their assaults against people's place of worship show their state of mind and their ideas. Azarbayjanis now should once again stand strong against plots to blemish their reputation. They should exonerate their names from libelous slander which are irrelevant to Islam. These agitators are doing their best to bring calamity and ill-fame for the Azarbayjanis. This is a great issue for Azarbayjanis. These brave people have always stood firm against tyrannies during our history. Previously in our history, when the communist inspired Pishevary wanted to separate Azarbayjan from Iran, the Azarbayjanis once again stood up to offset their plan. Now, a nation which has always protected Islam is being threatened with disgrace due to the caprices of a few.
A stain on Azarbayjan's reputation
should now emerge out of this disgrace. The Azarbayjani young men should remove this stain. We hope our fellow Azarbayjani countrymen would recognize the roots of these disturbances which are being concocted from outside. May God confirm you and the Muslims. I would like to thank you, honorable ladies, who came here to meet me at this humble house of mine in this cold weather. May God protect you and provide you with prosperity. May God make our adversaries vanish. May Peace be upon you.