Iranian president affirms pride in Turkic heritage PHOTO

Amid circulating speculation regarding his ethnic origins, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly affirmed his Turkic roots, emphasizing a deep sense of pride in his heritage.

Pezeshkian stated unequivocally that both his parents were ethnic Turks. “I am proud to be a Turk,” he declared, dispelling any ambiguity surrounding his background, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Pezeshkian, who emerged as a prominent reformist candidate during the July 2024 presidential election, secured victory in a tightly contested runoff against Saeed Jalili, becoming Iran’s ninth president. Prior to assuming the presidency, he held influential positions including Minister of Health and parliamentary representative, underscoring his extensive experience in governance.

Born in 1930 in the northwestern city of Urmia, Pezeshkian’s mother, Mahboubeh Sudbakhsh, hailed from a region notable for its rich Azerbaijani Turkic culture. His father, Mohammad Ali, pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry. The family also spent a period residing in Soyug Bulag, further cementing their ties to the Turkic community.

By Vafa Guliyeva