Urmia Lake, situated between the East and West Azerbaijan provinces of Iran, is in the throes of an unprecedented environmental crisis. Once the largest saltwater lake in the Middle East and the sixth largest globally, the lake has dramatically shrunk in recent years. This environmental disaster has serious ecological, social, and political ramifications, notably on the Azerbaijani Turk population residing around the lake. This intricate interplay of environmental degradation and ethnic tensions could escalate into a broader crisis if not addressed comprehensively and equitably.
Situated near the borders of Turkey and Iraq, Urmia Lake is an ecological haven. Its unique brackish water is a habitat for various life forms, including the Artemia, a type of brine shrimp. The lake is also a crucial stopover for migratory birds. However, over the past few decades, the lake’s surface area has rapidly declined due to extended periods of drought, aggressive irrigation practices, damming of the rivers feeding the lake, and climate change.
Ethnic Tensions in the Face of Lake Urmia’s Desiccation
The desiccation of Urmia Lake brings with it grave environmental consequences. The shrinking lake results in a significant biodiversity loss, disrupting the region’s ecological balance. It also leads to salt storms, which spread the exposed salt from the lakebed over a vast area. These salt storms potentially render the surrounding lands infertile, dealing a massive blow to the agricultural sector in the region. Moreover, the storms increase the risk of respiratory and skin diseases among the local population.
Beyond its environmental repercussions, the crisis at Urmia Lake also presents a complex socio-economic and political landscape. The majority of the population around the lake comprises Azerbaijani Turks. Their livelihoods, heavily reliant on agriculture, fishing, and tourism, are now under severe threat due to the drying lake. Consequently, the crisis exacerbates social and economic hardships, amplifying feelings of marginalization amongst the Azerbaijani Turks.
In the broader context of Iran’s sociopolitical dynamics, the Azerbaijani Turks have historically faced ethnic and linguistic discrimination. Their language, Azerbaijani Turkish, needs more official recognition in Iran’s constitution, and its use in public spheres and education is restricted. The Urmia Lake crisis intensifies these tensions, fueling demands for greater cultural and political rights among the Azerbaijani Turk community.
Amidst these layers of complications, allegations have emerged implicating the Iranian government’s response to the crisis. Critics argue that the government’s apparent inaction might be a deliberate strategy to effect demographic changes to disadvantage the Azerbaijani Turk population. This assertion, often labeled as ‘ethnic cleansing by environmental degradation,’ suggests the government’s tacit approval of the lake’s drying to displace the Azerbaijani Turk population, diluting their concentration and influence within Iran.
The Iranian government vehemently denies these allegations, attributing the lake’s desiccation primarily to environmental factors. However, critics point to the government’s contrasting approach towards the water crisis in the central Iranian plateau, predominantly inhabited by ethnic Persians, as evidence of ethnic favoritism.
The Contrast Between Iran’s National Plan and Urmia Lake Crisis Response
In recent years, the Iranian government has embarked on a national plan to transfer water from the Arab Gulf and the Sea of Oman to seven provinces in the semi-arid central plateau. This ambitious project, expected to be completed by 2025, aims to alleviate the water shortage in these provinces, foster the growth of water-intensive industries, and curb rural-to-urban migration. Despite potential environmental risks, proponents of this project, including the Department of Environment (DOE) chief Issa Kalantari, argue that such measures are necessary for maintaining an adequate water supply for drinking and industrial use.
The proactive measures taken in the central Iranian plateau starkly contrast the government’s response to the Urmia Lake crisis. Critics argue that this disparity points towards an underlying ethnic bias favoring Persian-populated regions over those inhabited by the Azerbaijani Turk population. The government’s significant investment in resolving the water crisis in Persian-majority regions and perceived inaction on the Urmia Lake crisis fuels suspicions of a calculated attempt to displace the Azerbaijani Turk community.
While these allegations are contentious and strongly refuted by the Iranian government, comparing the two situations underscores the perceived inequality in resource distribution. It further highlights the need for a more transparent, comprehensive, and equitable strategy in addressing water management and mitigating ethnic tensions in the country.
From Despair to Determination: Azerbaijani Community’s Struggle for Lake Urmia’s Survival
Lake Urmia has played an integral role in the Azerbaijani people’s lives, culture, and livelihoods for centuries. As the lake’s condition worsens, this community, long living in harmony with their treasured resource, has found its voice growing louder in protest. This outcry is a poignant symbol of their despair and frustration, resonating across generations and backgrounds.
The protests of the Azerbaijani people represent a more significant environmental and human rights movement. They aim to draw global attention to the situation, insisting that the lake’s dwindling is primarily due to dam construction and human activities rather than natural occurrences. As their voices amplify, they challenge what they see as the Iranian government’s neglect, demanding immediate and effective water management strategies and environmental policies.
The concerns of the Azerbaijani community have moved beyond a civil issue, reaching the political sphere, where they have become a central talking point in election campaigns. Yet, the promises made by politicians for lake restoration have been seen as empty by the community.
In response, the Azerbaijani people have taken the matter into their own hands, launching a virtual campaign that has attracted significant attention. They are fighting to stop Lake Urmia’s further degradation and advocating for the revival of the lake they once knew – a vibrant beacon of biodiversity essential to their way of life.
The continued demonstrations highlight the growing public sensitivity towards Lake Urmia’s fate. This has led to a wide-ranging coalition of activists, political parties, and legal associations banding together to challenge the government’s approach to the crisis. Through their collective power, they strive to uphold environmental justice and preserve their natural heritage.
Interlinking Environment and Politics: Urmia Lake Crisis and its Wider Implications
The Urmia Lake crisis illuminates the intricate connections between environmental degradation and socio-political tensions. The Iranian government’s approach towards this crisis needs to be inclusive and equitable, considering the concerns of all ethnic communities. Environmental solutions should be supplemented with strategies addressing the socio-political dynamics triggered by environmental issues like Lake Urmia’s desiccation. The stakes are high as the resulting action will influence Iran’s ethnic relations and environmental policies for years. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani people’s determined protests and global campaign for the lake’s revival send a powerful message about the importance of environmental justice and natural heritage preservation, further amplifying the global discourse on these vital issues.
[Photo by Ninaras, via Wikimedia Commons]
Babek Chalabi is a South Azerbaijani activist based in Washington DC; Chalabi also is the founder of ArazNews.org. Babek tweets under @BabekChelebi. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
