The Strength of Cultural Identity of the Ahwazi Arab People as a Barrier Against Persianization Schemes
The Ahwazi Arab people represent one of the indigenous populations of the Arabian Gulf, with a rich culture and heritage dating back thousands of years. This cultural and historical legacy has faced threats and distortion throughout history, particularly since the Iranian occupation of Ahwaz in 1925, which marked the end of the rule of Emir Khazal bin Jaber, the last Arab ruler of the Ahwazi Arab state.
Collective Cultural Component of the Ahwazi People
The collective cultural identity of the Ahwazi people is formed from a combination of tangible and intangible elements that reflect the unique identity of this population. The main components of this identity include:
– Language: The Ahwazi people speak Arabic, which is the mother tongue for the majority. The Ahwazi Arabic dialect has distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other Arabic dialects.
-Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in the Ahwaz region.
– Folk Heritage: Ahwazi folk heritage is rich and diverse, encompassing a wide range of arts and crafts, such as music, singing, dance, poetry, literature, and visual arts.
– History: The Ahwazi people have an ancient history spanning thousands of years, marked by a variety of civilizations that have inhabited the region.
Threats to Ahwazi Cultural Heritage
Ahwazi cultural heritage has faced significant threats and distortion throughout history, especially since the Iranian occupation of Ahwaz in 1925. These threats include:
– Material Destruction: Numerous archaeological and historical sites in Ahwaz have been destroyed in attempts to erase the Ahwazi cultural identity. In 2018, the Iranian occupation demolished one of the oldest cinema houses in Ahwaz, a site registered in 2007 with the National Heritage Department of the Ahwaz National Oil Company Museum as a historical landmark of the Arab “Fallahiya” area. This cinema represented an important symbol of Ahwazi civilization and openness to the world. Despite extensive efforts by Ahwazi citizens to preserve it, Iranian authorities demolished it, disregarding the desires of the Ahwazi people and the legal protection of this site as part of their cultural heritage, which reflects their distinct history of independence and sovereignty.
– Cultural Distortion: The Iranian occupation has imposed Persian culture on the Ahwazi people, aiming to alter their cultural identity. Iranian authorities work to falsify history and present the “Susa Fortress” (in the city of Shush) as part of Persian heritage. This historic fortress, located 90 kilometers north of Ahwaz City and near the Arabian Gulf, is an ancient site with a longstanding civilization. Excavations have uncovered the famous Susa pottery and inscriptions dating back to King Hammurabi’s code. However, Iranian authorities attempt to associate this fortress with modern Persian history, thereby erasing its Elamite history and heritage.
-Cultural Discrimination: The Ahwazi people face cultural discrimination from Iranian authorities, which impose restrictions on their ability to express Ahwazi cultural identity. Recently, Iranian authorities renamed several Ahwazi villages with Persian names as part of their Persianization policy, which stems from blatant racial discrimination against the Ahwazi people and their heritage.
Legal Protection of Ahwazi Cultural Heritage
International humanitarian law provides for the protection of cultural and historical heritage in times of armed conflict. The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict established legal protections for cultural heritage. Additionally, UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage emphasizes the protection of intangible cultural heritage, including popular culture.
Despite these legal protections, Ahwazi cultural heritage remains under threat and subject to distortion, due to the lack of effective enforcement of international humanitarian law in Ahwaz. The Iranian occupation refuses to acknowledge the existence of the Ahwazi Arab people and their culture.
In conclusion, the cultural and historical heritage of the Ahwazi Arab people forms a vital part of their identity and deserves safeguarding. Urgent actions are necessary to ensure the protection of this heritage against threats and distortion.
