Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, shared a post on the occasion of the third anniversary of her activity in Baku, Report informs.
Day: July 3, 2024
Aliyev mentioned that the use of national currencies is increasing and that Azerbaijan is ready and determined to develop the “North-South” international transport corridor. https://t.co/Va9zlP2g4N
— Emin Bred (@emin_bred) July 3, 2024
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@emin_bred: Aliyev is happy
Aliyev is happy https://t.co/vhpVHfyLuZ pic.twitter.com/oDKlQertuf
— Emin Bred (@emin_bred) July 3, 2024
More than 200 million people are affected by natural disasters each year, causing significant damage in densely populated areas. Only since the 1970s have comprehensive international disaster response frameworks been developed largely in response to the growing number of natural disasters. This is leading governments and organizations to develop robust post-disaster recovery strategies such as the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and its successor the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The World Bank, European commission and the UN have also signed a joint post-crises declaration. However even with international efforts and collaboration, culture has been given little consideration.
Natural disasters wreak havoc on both the tangible and intangible aspects of societies, taking down physical infrastructures as well as morale. They not only destroy lives but can also erase culture, heritage, landmarks, and traditions. Culture, broadly defined as the beliefs, traditions, and artistic works of a group, is proving to be an integral part in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.
As stated by policy maker Ahmed Eiweida, “Cities are not just a collection of buildings, but are the people, their stories, and how they interact with each other through their cultural identity and sense of place.” In the case of post-earthquake Morocco, placing an emphasis on cultural expression and its diminishing forms may prove to be an effective method of dealing with post-disaster trauma and strengthening cross-cultural connection.
Culture is integral in rebuilding efforts after disaster because it gives a sense of meaning to the structures and systems of cities. Along with supporting the reconciliation process through the restoration of cultural landmarks (i.e. monuments, religious sites, etc.) culture strengthens a community’s sense of self and belonging. Multiple case studies of countries suffering post natural disaster and conflict destruction have seen culture used as a means of encouraging intercultural dialogue.
In Indonesia, for example, decades of separatist conflict and a devastating tsunami led the government to implement a post-disaster reconstruction strategy worth over six billion USD. Reconstruction leaders partnered with local theater groups to perform plays that encouraged dialogue on post-conflict and tsunami reconstruction processes. These plays were performed in refugee shelters in the native regional language and promoted discussion on disaster recovery themes.
Morocco, in a similar vein, has suffered a massive environmental catastrophe with the 2023 earthquake killing over 2,800 people and destroying historic intercultural landmarks. Parts of the 1,000 year old Medina in Marrakech, the 12th century Kutubiyya Mosque, the minaret of the Kharbouch Mosque, and many other sites were severely damaged. The High Atlas Mountains, hardest hit by the earthquake, are home to a rich tapestry of rural and indigenous Amazigh communities known for their diverse culinary traditions, crafts, dance, and more.
The High Atlas Foundation, a non-profit sustainable development organization located in Marrakech, has been serving the High Atlas region for many years holding psycho-social and cooperative building workshops to empower locals. Leaders of these group psycho-social programs have remarked on the power of traditional performance in the healing process aiding villagers in processing trauma and discovering a sense of togetherness through traditional dance, music, and poetry. After the earthquake, many native Amazigh groups were hesitant to perform their traditional song and dance due to the grief of the earthquake. The presence of psychosocial leaders in Amazigh villages has placed in them the desire to continue these performances. As many attendees of psycho-social programs are without years of formal education, performance gives them an outlet to express themselves and their heritage.
“Our main mission is to give them hope that better days are yet to come,” expresses a HAF psycho-social leader. In addition to emphasizing the creative arts, facilitators encourage attendees to lean on facets of culture such as religion and language. Given the deep history and connection to spirituality in Morocco, participants are more likely to feel moved and inspired by religious texts such as the Quran as opposed to other methods. Implementing meditation practices that foster emotion also serves to emulate daily prayers and reflection. In addition to religion, facilitators appeal to attendees in a personal and impactful manner by using the native Tamazight language to explain concepts. Utilizing this aspect of village culture unites participants and makes topics more contextually understandable.
Along with having a culturally plural identity, Morocco has a large and fast growing youth population that is progressively declining in its engagement in cultural traditions. These cultural traditions, such as storytelling (Hikayat), dance (Ahwach), and women’s poetry recitation work to pass down Morocco’s intercultural history of peace and coexistence. In the midst of great loss, these traditions can be used to bring younger generations a sense of place and belonging. Additionally, culture poses new socio-economic opportunities that allow youth to enter the cultural and creative industries. The current presence of argan oil and carpet cooperatives demonstrate the use of traditional design and production to further economic sustainability. The Moroccan government has recognized the cultural and creative industries as a sturdy path to economic development, investing in the culture department and supporting artists through intellectual property rights, legal frameworks, and low associated tax levels.
While reconstructing physical infrastructures and buildings post-disaster, it is vital to preserve and highlight culture by employing participatory development methods. Despite extensive efforts by government and international bodies to support the post-earthquake community, there has been limited focus on the use of cultural expression as a means of dealing with trauma. By integrating cultural expression into post-disaster recovery efforts, Morocco can promote social cohesion, emotional healing and sustainable development. This approach not only helps communities recover from trauma, but also strengthens the nation’s diverse cultural fabric and promotes the longevity of declining forms of cultural expression.
A new political era after Raisi’s death?
Azerbaijan’s southern neighbor heads to the second round of its snap presidential vote on July 5, with Massoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili, the two candidates who garnered the highest number of votes in the first round. The author aims to explore the prevailing trends influencing future developments in Iran and examines the potential for substantial changes to tackle pressing national issues and avert further tragedies in the country and the region.
The tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash has unexpectedly altered the political landscape in Iran and surrounding regions. Among the new presidential candidates, the inclusion of ethnic Azerbaijani Massoud Pezeshkian has added an intriguing twist to the country’s typically theocratic political developments.
Pezeshkian’s admission: A progressive milestone
The admission of Massoud Pezeshkian, an ethnic Azerbaijani Turk, known for his reformist stance and pride in his ethnic identity, to the June 28 snap presidential polls was a progressive event, regardless of the underlying motives. However, a significant portion of the Iranian population remains skeptical about the electoral process, believing that results are often falsified. Consequently, many choose not to participate in the voting.
A segment of ethnic Persian voters seeking freedom might cast their ballots for Pezeshkian in the second round on July 5, but the nationalist Persian majority, along with other candidates united against him, presents a formidable challenge. Despite these obstacles, some experts maintain hope that Pezeshkian’s election could breathe new life into Iran’s political scene, improve relations with Türkiye and Azerbaijan, and soften tensions with the West.
Internal tensions & ethnic rights
Iran’s ethnic minorities are deprived of their rights to read and write in their mother tongues, develop their culture, and exercise local self-government, leading to significant internal tension. Pezeshkian could potentially ease these issues. His election rally in Tabriz, featuring Rashid Behbudov’s song “My Azerbaijan,” was politically significant and resonated deeply with many social media users and commentators in Azerbaijan.
The dominant opinion is that the Supreme Leader’s decision will be crucial, in determining whether Iran embarks on a path of reform or continues its revolution and bloody conflicts. As of today, the first round of the snap presidential polls is over, with two front-runners preparing for the final round on July 5.
The conservative unification scenario
The presidential election results in Iran will be decided in the second round, following the “unification of conservatives” scenario. Among the conservatives, the rise of Saeed Jalili over Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf is particularly noteworthy. Before the election, two candidates withdrew in favor of Qalibaf, who was seen as a more loyal figure by various factions. However, Qalibaf’s 3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 9 million votes raise doubts, especially since pre-election polls showed Qalibaf ahead. It appears that the path was cleared for Jalili, who is closer to the religious leader and supported by Raisi’s government.
Pezeshkian, who garnered over 10 million votes in the first round, faces an uncertain future in the second round. Logically, conservative votes, including those from Qalibaf supporters, should go to Jalili. However, given that election outcomes in Iran are not solely determined by ballots, Jalili’s chances of becoming the new president increase.
Strategic shifts and foreign relations
This election battle is more than just a race for the presidency; it reflects the internal struggles within the conservative wing. Pundits believe that Iranian elections have historically been influenced by foreign power centers. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, Iran has oscillated between the `Neither East nor West’ strategy and other strategic shifts.
Over recent years, Iran’s strategic focus has shifted multiple times. After the 2018 annulment of the P5+1 nuclear agreement by President Trump, Iran re-adopted its `Look East’ strategy, improving relations with Russia and China. This led to the conservative Ebrahim Raisi’s rise to power in 2021. However, with Raisi’s unexpected death, Iran finds itself at a crossroads.
Iran’s strained relations with Israel and uncertain support from China leave it with few allies apart from Russia. With Trump potentially returning to power in the US, Iran faces heightened tensions with Israel and the possibility of war. In this context, Iran needs to adopt promising policies that suggest power could shift to reformers. This is why Massoud Pezeshkian, known for his reformist leanings and ethnic Azerbaijani background, has emerged as a favored candidate in the snap elections.
A chance for reform and integration
If Iran wants to ease relations with the West, Pezeshkian appears to be the best choice. His potential presidency offers a glimmer of hope for those advocating for more rights and reforms. Additionally, his ethnic background and regional knowledge could foster better integration with the Turkic world and strengthen regional relations.
The second round of the snap presidential elections on July 5 will be crucial in determining Iran’s future. The outcome will not only decide the next president but also indicate whether Iran is ready for reform or will continue along its current path of internal conflict and external tensions. The stakes are high, and the decision will significantly impact Iran’s political landscape and its relations with the broader world.
Conclusion: The path forward
As Iran approaches the second round of its snap presidential elections, the political landscape is charged with uncertainty and potential. Massoud Pezeshkian represents a possibility for reform and a new direction in Iran’s domestic and foreign policies. The upcoming election will be a decisive moment, determining whether Iran can pivot towards a more open and integrated future or remain entrenched in its current theocratic and conservative framework. The world watches with bated breath as the political drama in Iran unfolds, with implications that could resonate far beyond its borders.