“Fútbol is life.” – Dani Rojas

Football is often heralded as a universal language, a sport that bridges divides and unites people across cultures and national boundaries. Yet, just as frequently, it reflects the social, political, and ethnic fractures within a society.

Nowhere is this duality more pronounced than in Iran, where Tractor Football Club is more than just a team to its devoted Azerbaijani Turk supporters. For them, Tractor is a living emblem of cultural and political defiance, representing resistance against decades of forced assimilation, systemic marginalization, and the persistent suppression of linguistic and cultural rights.

At Tractor matches, Yadegar-e-Imam Stadium, popularly known as Sahand Stadium, transforms into an arena of ethnic and political expression. Thousands of fans chant in Turkish, hoist banners emblazoned with political slogans and call for the recognition of their Azerbaijani Turk heritage. The atmosphere is charged with demands for cultural rights, including the right to education in Turkish and its formal recognition in media and public institutions. These public expressions are not simply about football—they articulate the frustrations of a community that has long been denied full cultural and political participation. The Iranian state’s long-standing policy of centralization, which has systematically prioritized Persian identity while sidelining others, is a source of profound grievance among Azerbaijanis.

The significance of Tractor extends beyond mere fandom. For its supporters, the club is a vehicle to challenge policies of cultural erasure and assert the right to an identity that Iranian authorities have sought to dilute. The stadium serves as one of the few public spaces where these grievances can be aired collectively. Fans use banners, chants, and coordinated demonstrations to highlight issues such as the prohibition of Turkish in schools, the restrictions on Azerbaijani cultural expression, and the broader exclusion of Azerbaijanis from political representation.

Messages like “We are Turks, not Persians” resonate with a deep-seated frustration over policies that, in their view, attempt to force them into a Persian-centric national identity. The phenomenon surrounding Tractor is not merely about football—it is about an ethnic community resisting cultural erasure through one of the few platforms available to them.

This interplay between sports and identity is not unique to Iran. Across the world, football has long been an avenue for marginalized communities to assert themselves and push back against systemic inequalities. The deep-rooted rivalry between Celtic and Rangers in Scotland reflects longstanding religious and political tensions, while football clubs in apartheid-era South Africa symbolized resistance against racial segregation. However, in Iran’s highly restrictive political climate—where protests and political activism are swiftly repressed—football remains one of the last relatively safe spaces for Azerbaijanis to express themselves. While security forces closely monitor stadiums, and arrests of fans are not uncommon, these venues still provide a critical outlet for collective identity and resistance.

The activism of Tractor fans has not gone unnoticed beyond Iran’s borders. Videos of their chants in Turkish and displays of political slogans regularly go viral, drawing international attention and solidarity from Azerbaijani Turks in Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as from human rights organizations. This international dimension complicates the situation further, as Iranian authorities increasingly frame Tractor fans’ activism as separatist or as the result of foreign influence, attempting to discredit their demands and justify harsher crackdowns. By portraying the movement as externally orchestrated, the state seeks to delegitimize what is, at its core, a deeply domestic issue—the struggle of a community for cultural recognition and rights within Iran.

Football is often seen as a force for unity, but in the case of Tractor, it serves as a stark reminder of Iran’s unresolved ethnic and cultural tensions. For its Azerbaijani Turk supporters, each match is more than just a game—it is an act of defiance, a declaration of cultural pride, and an opportunity to reclaim an identity that has been systematically marginalized. Through the collective power of chants, banners, and unwavering solidarity, Tractor fans continue to turn football into a potent medium of ethnic expression and resistance. Their cause underscores the remarkable ability of sport to transcend its entertainment value and become a platform for political and cultural assertion in the face of adversity.

The Tractor-Persepolis Rivalry

Football is often described as the great equalizer, a sport capable of bridging cultural and national divides. But in Iran, it has become a battleground for some of the country’s deepest ethnic and political tensions. The rivalry between Tractor Football Club, based in Tabriz, and Tehran’s Persepolis Football Club has evolved into more than a competition for dominance on the pitch. It is a mirror of Iran’s unresolved ethnic divisions, where the stadium is not just an arena for sport but a stage for political and cultural assertion.

This tension was on full display during a recent match when some Persepolis fans chanted slogans mocking Azerbaijani Turks, reigniting longstanding grievances. Such incidents are not anomalies; racist chants and provocative gestures have become hallmarks of clashes between these two clubs. These hostile exchanges are symptomatic of deeper societal fractures, exposing the disparities and marginalization that Azerbaijani Turks experience within Iran.

In response to such provocations, Tractor fans have transformed their club into a vehicle for ethnic expression. During matches, they chant in Turkish, unfurl banners bearing cultural and political slogans, and proudly proclaim their heritage. These public displays serve as a rare platform where Azerbaijani Turks can voice their frustrations over systemic discrimination and cultural erasure.

However, Iranian authorities have consistently framed these expressions as a threat to national unity. The government has repeatedly warned against the “politicization” of football, and fans who chant slogans deemed too controversial have faced bans, arrests, and crackdowns. Officials claim that sporting events should remain apolitical, yet their heavy-handed response to Tractor fans underscores the very reality these supporters are protesting—a state that refuses to acknowledge ethnic grievances.

The Roots of Azerbaijani Turk Grievances

The roots of Azerbaijani Turk marginalization are traced back to Iran’s aggressive centralization efforts. Under the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979), Persian nationalism became state policy, with the government enforcing a monolithic national identity that excluded non-Persian ethnic groups. Azerbaijani Turks were among those most affected. Their language was banned in schools, cultural expressions were suppressed, and public celebrations of their Turkic identity were restricted. The regime’s insistence on Persian as the sole national language left little room for ethnic plurality, sowing the seeds of resentment that persist today.

After Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s downfall in 1979, Khomeini’s government initially positioned itself as an advocate of Islamic unity, emphasizing religious identity over ethnic differences. Yet, in practice, this approach ignored the cultural and linguistic aspirations of Iran’s non-Persian communities. Despite their significant role in the 1979 revolution, Azerbaijani Turks saw their demands for greater cultural recognition and linguistic rights largely go unmet. Over the decades, successive governments continued to sideline their grievances, failing to acknowledge their calls for the inclusion of Turkish as an official language or for broader political representation.

This longstanding marginalization has fueled a growing ethnic consciousness among Azerbaijani Turks. Without political avenues to express their frustrations, many have turned to alternative platforms—such as football—to reclaim their identity. Tractor has thus become more than just a club; it is a powerful symbol of collective action, a rallying point for a community that feels increasingly excluded from Iran’s national narrative.

The Cross-Border Dimension

Beyond Iran’s borders, the Azerbaijani Turk identity carries geopolitical significance. The cultural and linguistic ties between Azerbaijani Turks in Iran and Azerbaijan have long been a source of anxiety for Iranian authorities. The government fears that expressions of ethnic pride could fuel separatist aspirations, leading to tighter restrictions on ethnic activism. This concern has led officials to conflate calls for cultural rights with secessionist threats, justifying further crackdowns on Azerbaijani Turk expression.

The state’s refusal to engage with Azerbaijani Turk grievances has only reinforced a legacy of cultural exclusion. Although the government promotes an official narrative of inclusivity, the reality is that its policies continue to marginalize non-Persian ethnic groups. As a result, Azerbaijani Turks—finding little space for their identity within mainstream political discourse—have turned to football, using Tractor matches as one of the last remaining public spaces to assert their heritage and demand recognition.

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

The rise of social media has reshaped how Azerbaijani Turks assert their identity and express their grievances. Social media platforms have become indispensable tools for documenting discrimination, sharing videos of racist incidents during matches, and mobilizing both local and international support. For a community historically marginalized in state-controlled media, these digital spaces offer an alternative platform where their voices can be amplified without censorship. Viral footage of racist chants or heavy-handed crackdowns at stadiums has drawn international attention, sparking solidarity among Turkic communities worldwide and prompting discussions within human rights organizations.

Social media has also deepened Tractor Football Club’s role as a symbol of Azerbaijani Turk nationalism. Matches frequently feature banners and slogans promoting Turkic cultural pride and political rights, and fans use digital platforms to extend these messages far beyond the stadium walls. In this context, Tractor is not just a football team—it is a political and cultural force, rallying an ethnic identity that has long been sidelined in Iranian national discourse.

Beyond merely exposing injustice, social media has fueled grassroots activism. Tractor fans and Azerbaijani Turk activists have leveraged these platforms to organize boycotts, highlight systemic discrimination, and strengthen ties with Azerbaijani Turks in Azerbaijan and Turkey. Digital activism has allowed them to circumvent media restrictions, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to suppress their grievances entirely.

⚡️The fans of #Tractor football club celebrate their victory in the match#SouthAzerbaijan pic.twitter.com/jWWDPl6eXG

— Voice of South Azerbaijan (@VoiceofSAz) January 2, 2025

The Dark Side of Digital Activism

However, the same platforms that empower marginalized communities can also deepen social divides. Social media algorithms prioritize engagement, often amplifying the most provocative content. This has fueled the spread of hate speech, particularly in the context of the heated rivalry between Tractor and Persepolis. Online debates frequently devolve into echo chambers where both Azerbaijani Turks and their critics reinforce their own biases, intensifying offline ethnic tensions.

Iranian authorities have also weaponized social media to discredit Azerbaijani Turk activism. State-sponsored trolls and bot networks flood conversations with counter-narratives, portraying activists as separatists or agents of foreign influence from Turkey or Azerbaijan. These digital smear campaigns aim to delegitimize legitimate grievances, shifting the narrative from civil rights to national security. By framing activism as a destabilizing force, the government fosters distrust between Azerbaijani Turks and the broader Iranian public, further marginalizing the community.

For Azerbaijani Turks, the digital landscape mirrors the inequities they experience in the real world. While social media provides a powerful platform for advocacy, it also subjects activists to increased surveillance. The Iranian government closely monitors online dissent, and those who challenge state policies or expose discrimination risk harassment, arrests, and intimidation. Activists associated with Tractor have frequently been detained for sharing politically sensitive content, reinforcing the notion that even in the digital sphere, Azerbaijani Turks are not free to express their identity without consequences.

Government Suppression and its Consequences

The Iranian government has long responded to ethnic activism with repression, and the activism surrounding Tractor Football Club is no exception. Security forces are regularly deployed at matches to monitor fans, and arrests are common for those displaying banners or chanting slogans deemed politically sensitive. Tractor supporters who chant in Turkish or call for cultural and linguistic rights frequently face detentions, fines, or stadium bans. These crackdowns underscore the state’s unwillingness to tolerate public assertions of Azerbaijani Turk identity.

In addition to physical suppression, the government actively works to delegitimize Tractor fans’ activism by branding it as foreign-influenced. State-controlled media and officials often accuse Azerbaijani Turks of aligning with neighboring Azerbaijan or Turkey, framing their demands as separatist. This narrative not only dismisses legitimate grievances but also sows distrust between the government and one of Iran’s largest ethnic minorities.

Authorities have also imposed administrative restrictions to curb ethnic expression during matches. Political banners are confiscated, Turkish-language chants are disrupted, and in some cases, matches have been postponed or canceled under the pretext of maintaining public order. These measures fit within a broader pattern of state suppression of non-Persian identities, a policy that has persisted since the Pahlavi era.

A Strategy that Backfires

Yet, this strategy has often proven counterproductive. By criminalizing cultural expression and dismissing legitimate calls for recognition, the government risks alienating a substantial segment of the population. Among Azerbaijani Turks, there is a growing perception that the state is not just indifferent to their grievances but actively hostile to their identity. This has fostered a sense of ethnic consciousness, with Tractor matches serving as one of the few public spaces where this frustration can be collectively expressed.

The continued repression of Azerbaijani Turk activism also raises the risk of escalating political demands. What starts as calls for cultural and linguistic rights could evolve into broader demands for autonomy or structural changes to Iran’s governance of ethnic minorities. If the government refuses to address the root causes of Azerbaijani Turk discontent, it risks fueling movements that could challenge the state’s centralized power structure.

Beyond Iran’s borders, the suppression of Azerbaijani Turk identity is being closely watched by regional players. Both Azerbaijan and Turkey, which share deep cultural and linguistic ties with the community, have expressed concern over the treatment of Azerbaijani Turks in Iran. Continued repression could strain Iran’s diplomatic relationships, particularly with Turkey, which has increasingly positioned itself as a protector of Turkic identities.

The Road Ahead

Iran’s strategy of repression is not only failing to quell Azerbaijani Turk activism but is also exacerbating tensions and deepening divisions. Without a shift toward inclusion and dialogue, these grievances will only intensify, threatening both domestic stability and Iran’s broader geopolitical position. By silencing Azerbaijani Turks at football matches and on social media, the government is missing a critical opportunity to engage with a community that is seeking recognition, not separation.

Yet, in the absence of genuine reforms, suppression may only fuel a louder and more disruptive demand for change. Tractor fans and Azerbaijani Turk activists are unlikely to abandon their cause, and as digital platforms continue to amplify their voices, their calls for cultural and political recognition will only grow more loudly. Whether the Iranian government chooses to engage or continue its policy of suppression will determine whether these tensions can be peacefully resolved—or whether they will escalate into a larger crisis that Iran can no longer ignore.

Implications for Iran and Beyond

The role of Tractor Football Club underscores the profound challenges stemming from Iran’s long-standing policies of cultural homogenization and the suppression of ethnic minorities. Rather than fostering national unity through inclusivity, Iran’s centralized governance and Persian-centric policies have alienated Azerbaijani Turks and other ethnic groups for decades. For Azerbaijani Turks, Tractor is far more than a football club—it is a symbol of resistance, cultural pride, and a rare platform to voice grievances that have long been ignored. Yet, the Iranian government’s persistent attempts to suppress Azerbaijani Turk identity and culture have not only deepened domestic fault lines but have also begun to reverberate beyond Iran’s borders, complicating regional dynamics and threatening geopolitical stability.

One of the most immediate risks lies in the growing discontent within Iran’s northwestern provinces, home to a significant Azerbaijani Turk population. These regions share deep cultural and linguistic ties with Azerbaijan, making Tehran’s suppression of Azerbaijani Turk rights a matter of cross-border significance. If Iran continues to ignore calls for cultural and linguistic recognition, these frustrations could escalate into demands for autonomy, raising concerns over potential separatist movements. Such a shift would not only intensify tensions in Azerbaijan-majority regions but could also embolden other marginalized groups, such as the Kurds in the west and the Balochs in the southeast, further straining Iran’s territorial integrity.

The Geopolitical Dimension

The close geographical and ethnic ties between Azerbaijani Turk-majority regions and both Azerbaijan and Turkey add to the region’s international complexity. Both countries have long voiced concerns about Iran’s treatment of Azerbaijani Turks, framing their stance as a defense of Turkic identity. Turkish officials and media frequently criticize Iran’s assimilationist policies, drawing global attention to the discrimination faced by Azerbaijani Turks. This scrutiny has further strained relations between Tehran and Ankara, adding another layer of tension to an already fragile regional dynamic.

Azerbaijan also has a strong interest in the status of Azerbaijani Turks in Iran due to their shared cultural and linguistic heritage. Any rise in ethnic tensions within Iran could fuel nationalist sentiments in Azerbaijan, pushing Baku to take a more assertive stance. This would further strain its delicate relationship with Tehran, especially as Azerbaijan becomes more regionally assertive following its 2020 victory in Nagorno-Karabakh. If Baku openly supports Azerbaijani Turks in Iran, Tehran may see it as a direct challenge to its sovereignty, worsening diplomatic ties.

International scrutiny of Iran’s treatment of Azerbaijani Turks is also intensifying. Human rights organizations increasingly highlight reports of discrimination, cultural repression, and crackdowns at Tractor football matches. These concerns contribute to Iran’s growing reputation as a state that suppresses ethnic minorities, damaging its global standing. If left unaddressed, these tensions could weaken Iran’s influence in the Islamic world while emboldening Azerbaijani Turk activists and increasing international pressure on Tehran.

Closing Insights

The tensions surrounding Tractor Football Club reflect deeper issues of ethnic inequality and cultural suppression in Iran. For Azerbaijani Turks, Tractor is more than just a football club—it is a cultural symbol and one of the few spaces where they can openly voice their grievances. Instead of addressing these concerns, the Iranian government has chosen repression, deepening divisions and alienating one of its largest ethnic communities.

Iran’s approach to ethnic diversity has long favored Persian identity over other cultural groups, marginalizing Azerbaijani Turks, Kurds, Balochs, and others. This model is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Meaningful reform—such as linguistic rights, cultural inclusion, and fair political representation—would require a major shift in state policies, something Tehran has been unwilling to consider.

Ignoring these grievances will only escalate tensions. Dissatisfaction is growing, particularly in regions where state policies are widely resented. Continued marginalization could turn cultural demands into broader political movements, potentially leading to calls for autonomy or structural reform. Dismissing these concerns as separatism only deepens resentment, making reconciliation harder.

The issue also has an international dimension. Turkey and Azerbaijan closely follow the plight of Azerbaijani Turks, seeing themselves as cultural and political defenders of the Turkic world. Turkey, in particular, frequently condemns Iran’s assimilationist policies. If Tehran fails to address these concerns, it risks worsening regional tensions and allowing external actors to shape the narrative.

Tractor Football Club has become more than a sports team—it is a rallying point for Azerbaijani Turks asserting their identity. However, growing ethnic mobilization highlights that repression is not a sustainable strategy. The government’s attempts to silence Azerbaijani Turks are fueling resistance that could extend beyond the stadium and into broader political activism.

Without real reform, Iran risks turning localized grievances into a nationwide crisis. Addressing Azerbaijani Turks’ concerns requires more than symbolic gestures—it demands a commitment to cultural and political inclusivity. Otherwise, Tehran will find itself increasingly isolated, both internally and in a region where ethnic identity and political stability are deeply intertwined. If suppression continues, the voices Iran seeks to silence may only grow louder, with consequences that reach far beyond its borders.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect those of any institutions with which the author is associated.