Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 76 People of the South Caucasus
While a major transformation was taking place across Iran, the local people of the South Caucasus were being oppressed by Russians and Cossacks. Due to the rise of Great Russian chauvinism, the Russian government also continued to persecute local ethnic groups.

In Ganja, northern Azerbaijan, the residents have lived here for generations. Even after the Russian occupation, nearly half of the population remained. Murad and his father were busy with farm work on their rented land. The sun beat down its heat on the earth, and cicadas chirped listlessly in the trees. Murad straightened his aching back and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a dirty towel.

“Father, let’s rest for a bit,” Murad said to his father. “Let’s go to the fields and get some water. The rains haven’t been good this year, so the harvest will be tough. The land rent hasn’t decreased either. We’re going to have a hard year.” His father was still worried about the land rent this year.

"Why doesn't the landlord lower the rent for us? I heard he lowered it for many others." Even while drinking water, Murad complained about the discrimination the new Russian landlord was making against them.

"Can't you keep your voice down? If he hears us, our whole family will be kicked out." The old father looked around nervously and scolded his son. Everyone in town knew that the old man was a fanatical nationalist. He could still give Georgians and Armenians some face, but he had no respect for them, these infidels.

“It’s better now. Before, these Russians not only discriminated against us, but they also set double standards for land rent.” The old father looked around again and whispered in Murad’s ear, “That old geezer got half of his land from us back then.”

“I’ve heard from some people that Iran is developing quite well now. The farmers there are richer than us, and no one discriminates against them. If you go to work in the city, you can send money home to improve your life.” Murad spoke of the news he had heard with longing in his eyes. His father, hearing his words, asked, “Who told you that?”

“Mousavi from the next village, one of his cousins ​​went to Tabriz, Iran, and is working in a factory. He just came back a few days ago and brought Mousavi a piece of clothing. This guy wears it everywhere and shows it off.” Murad said with a look of envy. Seeing his son’s expression, the father sighed inwardly, wondering when the suffering Russia had inflicted on them would end.

After their chat and a few more drinks, Murad hesitated before asking his father, "Father, I want to go to Tabriz. I don't want to live like this anymore. I've had enough of those Russians."

Looking at his overjoyed child, the father saw himself more than twenty years ago. A single treaty had made them citizens of another country, and subjected them to endless humiliation.

“Go ahead, go see Tabriz, at least no one will discriminate against you.” The father was satisfied with his son’s wish; who wouldn’t want their child to have a better life than themselves? Murad smiled, feeling hopeful for the future.

"Go to the next village and ask Musawi's relatives if they can take you there. Remember to bring some things; don't go empty-handed and ask for help," the father instructed Murad. "Yes, Father, I'll go get some things from home and go see," Murad said, returning home with the things to go to the next village to find Musawi. Seeing his eager son, the father smiled and continued working in the fields; farm work couldn't be neglected.

Murad took some things from home and went to the next village. On the way, he met Mousavi, who, after hearing his idea, took him to his uncle's house. His cousin was working in Tabriz.

After hearing Mousavi explain his purpose, his cousin asked the two to sit down and then spoke. "I only work in a factory in Tabriz. I can take you there, but you'll have to find your own job. I can introduce you to some opportunities." "Thank you, cousin. I'm already very grateful for your help," Murad said quickly. "We'll be leaving in two days. Go back and prepare."

After dinner, Murad told his father the results. "Father, Mousavi's cousin agreed to take me. They're leaving in two days." His father asked, "So soon?" Murad nodded. The old father sat by the door, looking at the stars in the night sky, and said, "I'll have your mother prepare your luggage." He reached into his purse, took out a money pouch, and placed it in Murad's hand. "This is for your travel expenses and other costs."

“Your grandfather prepared the same things for me back then, and now I’m preparing them for you. Time really flies; I’m getting old,” the father sighed.

Two days later, Murad arrived in town to find the group already there. Mousavi called out to him, "You're late, Murad!" Murad ran up, panting. "Sorry, I prepared a bit too much stuff." Then his cousin said to the others behind him, "Alright, everyone's here, let's get ready to go."

In the center of Ganja, there is a two-story building that serves as the headquarters of the Iranian Association. Due to Russian oppression, some merchants, small landowners, and peasants who could no longer endure the oppression formed this organization, hoping to break free from Russian rule, whether through rejoining Iran or independence.

“A new situation has emerged: many locals are going to work in Iran, and they are spreading the message that Iran has not abandoned them, but rather cares for them. This has made many people yearn for Iran. We should ask Tehran for help to reunite with them,” said Ben, the association’s chairman.

In reality, no significant nationalism developed there, and Russia wouldn't spread doctrines detrimental to its rule. Therefore, their thought was still to return to Iran.

"This is the best way. If we can go back to Iran, we will live very well. You know, the standard of living in Tabriz is several levels higher than here."

During Tabriz's industrialization, the newly built industrial plants attracted many young people from northern Azerbaijan to work there. They returned home with much higher wages and high-quality manufactured goods, telling their families about Iran's strength. This indirectly increased Iran's influence once again.

“Our cultural and economic ties with Iran are strengthening, and sooner or later we will be inextricably linked. This is our best choice, but also the most difficult,” one person stated. Upon hearing this idea, and considering the disparity in national power between Russia and Iran, everyone present fell silent. They had no idea that Tsarist Russia would ultimately suffer a complete defeat in the Caucasus.

(End of this chapter)