To His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Open Appeal of the South Azerbaijan Liberation Party (SALP)
18 September 2025
Your Excellency, President Ilham Aliyev,
23 September / 1 Mehr marks the beginning of the new academic year in Iran. Unfortunately, this date is not a day of celebration for millions of innocent Azerbaijani children, for the Turks of South Azerbaijan, and indeed for the 50-million-strong Azerbaijani nation and state. Rather, it is a day of repeated national humiliation year after year.
Mr. President,
For 54 years under the Pahlavi regime, and for the past 46 years under the current Islamic regime, the right to education in our mother tongue has been systematically prohibited. The surface and underground resources of the Azerbaijani plateau are being plundered. Our young generations are alienated from their homeland and assimilated against their own identity. At the same time, before our very eyes, Lake Urmia — the lifeline of the region and our national symbol — is being dried up as a result of state policy.
Mr. President,
Leaving aside countless other challenges of South Azerbaijan, these two issues — the denial of linguistic rights and the destruction of Lake Urmia — are not only local concerns but also regional and humanitarian ones. The policies implemented by Iran are in contradiction with both its own constitution and with international human rights principles.
Mr. President,
The growing geopolitical influence and national solidarity of the Republic of Azerbaijan play a decisive role in raising such issues to the international stage. We, the South Azerbaijan Liberation Party (SALP), respectfully request that you and our State continue to:
- Bring the defense of the right to mother-tongue education for South Azerbaijanis onto the diplomatic agenda
- Take initiatives at regional and international platforms for the salvation of Lake Urmia
- When compatible with state diplomacy, establish joint monitoring and intervention mechanisms with international organizations
- With Your esteemed presence and influence in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), ensure that the issue of South Azerbaijan remains on the agenda.
These steps will not only demonstrate solidarity with South Azerbaijan but will also contribute to the establishment of sustainable peace and ecological stability in the region.
With respect,
South Azerbaijan Liberation Party (SALP)
Chairman — Eldar Garadaghli
