Southern Azerbaijan refers to the predominantly Azerbaijani Turkish regions of northern Iran. The Azerbaijani presence in this area spans many centuries, shaped by Turkic migrations, the rise of powerful dynasties such as the Safavids, and a long tradition of literary and cultural production.

The region historically served as a crossroads linking Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Persia, allowing a hybrid culture to develop that blended Turkic, Persian, and Islamic influences.  The most notable modern assertion of autonomy occurred in 1945 with the formation of the Azerbaijan People’s Government in Tabriz. Backed by Soviet influence during the post World War Two period, the government introduced Azerbaijani language reforms, local administration, and cultural revitalisation. Its collapse in 1946 left a lasting impression on Azerbaijani political consciousness in Iran.  During the latter half of the twentieth century, Azerbaijani activists continued to advocate linguistic rights, cultural preservation, and political recognition. The Iranian state generally treated Azerbaijani identity as part of a unified Iranian nation, which led to ongoing tensions over cultural expression and regional development. While many Azerbaijani Turks in Iran seek cultural and linguistic rights rather than independence, some movements promote the idea of a sovereign Southern Azerbaijan aligned with broader Turkic identity.

Today Southern Azerbaijan remains an important concept within diaspora activism and regional debates. It signifies historical autonomy, cultural resilience, and a long standing desire for recognition within a complex multiethnic society.