[Cronos]

Interesting -- Azerbaijan has a national hero who fought against the Islamization of Iran (which included Azerbaijan at that time)

[Cronos]

Babak Khorramdim lived from 795 to 838 AD

He was a freedom fighter fighting the Islamic conquerors of Iran and managed to keep them at bay for 20 odd years

[onedoug]

´Hope it lasts....

[odds]

Thanks for the ping cronos.

For those interested:

There are 2 Azarbaijans. One is the present day Iranian province, located in Northwestern Iran (aka Southern Azarbaijan). The other is now called Republic of Azarbaijan (used to be part of the USSR) until the fall of the Soviet Union. Prior to that there used to be only one Azarbaijan, which was located in Iran. But, the Soviets partitioned it. Thereafter the Soviets wanted to take over the other one in Iran, but were eventually kicked out.

A more thorough history regarding Babak Korramdin. His ethnic origins are not clear. But, his name "Babak Khorramdin is an Iranian "Persian" name, not Turkic or Turkish.

According to Waqed (quoted in wikipedia), the oldest biographer on Babak, Babak’s father was a Persian from Madain (formerly known as Ctesiphon, former capital of Sassanian Persian Empire, 35 km south of modern Baghdad in Iraq) who left for the Azarbaijan frontier zone and settled in the village of Balalabad in the Maymad district. According to Fasih, his mother – a native of Azarbaijan – was known as Maahru; (meaning Moon-Face/Belle in Persian)

Anyway, Azarbaijan has a very long history in Iran before Turkic tribes settled in that part of Iran. Also, I had never heard of Babak being called "Hasan" (lol) - at least not in Iran. "Hasan" is an Arabic/Islamic name, completely inappropriate for Babak & related history.

Babak’s sensational and legendary campaign to defend Iran’s national identity and interest is still pursued after nearly 1200 years in Southern Azarbaijan, Kaleibar, Iran every year in Teer Maah (month of July). True Iranians visit Babak’s fortress to hail their Iranian hero, Babak, as the symbol of Iranian resistance against Tazi Arab occupiers. They read poetry including Shahnameh (the Book of Kings - Iran’s most famous epic by Ferdowsi) and play traditional Persian music. They also light up bonfires to follow traditional rituals of ancient Iran.

See more photos of Iranian 'pilgrimage' to Babak's fortress in Iran, and a youtube clip here

An image of Babak Khorramdin - "Khorramdin" means "Joyous religion i.e. Zoroastrianism

“Ghaleye Babak” meaning “Babak fortress”, located in the mountains of Qaradag, in Iran.

[cookcounty]

Wow. Azerbaijan is a Muslim country.

Quite amazing.

[no-to-illegals]

My gratitude for the ping and history lesson. I noticed at your post #17 and post #18 the key to turning the region is to remind them of their pre-Islamic past. The erection of the statue can only help (imho). Those who view (the statue) may further investigate. Am wondering if violence will be the determination of the statue's existence, as was GiovannaNicoletta question. Included in your post was this comment: I think it is important because Islam basically says that everything before Izlam is unworthy of remembering -- hence the destruction of not only monuments but also memories of pre-Izlamic Arabia (I took the afore comment was in relation to the statue erection) which led me to think you also are worried the statue may never see the light of day.

And then (a little off topic)
Due to the Pakis location in the region, how much influence do the Pakis have with Iran? The Pakis have nukes, and it is thought Iran is well on its way to nukes. Since the Pakis hold nukes and (if I understand) the people of Iran want nukes; are the Pakis influential with any peoples in the region; if they (Pakis) carry no influence in the Arab world, or Iran?

Please excuse my rambling (above) uncertain as to how to frame the question(s).