Why the Islamic Republic
Demolished This Unique Building

For over 80 years the role of Iran's central government has been one of denying and dismissing ethnic and linguistic diversity in the country. Just as the Pahlavi regime focused on annihilation of cultural, linguistic, and ethnic differences in the country, so too the current Islamic Republic has continued the politics of assimilation, exclusion, and racism.

Thousands of people were sobbing in streets of Tabriz while bulldozers demolished the building. It was a symbol of Azerbaijani art, music and culture. According to reliable witnesses, a 55-year-old man suffered a heart attack and died on the scene.