With the Iranian election and the protests there are occasional references to ethnic groups in Iran. For example, Mousavi did not do as well in Azerbaijan as one would expect knowing that he is an ethnic Azeri Turk. The father of the Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamneini is also an Azeri Turk. So despite the fact that ethnic Persians, who speak Farsi, are the dominant group in Iran and to a large extent define its national identity, minorities have prominent roles. Iran is about 50% Persian and 25% Azeri Turk, with the balance being defined by a host of other groups such as Kurds. But does this matter? The World Values Survey done in 2005 in Iran had a breakdown by language. So one can examine to see if there are any differences between Azeri Turks and Persians. I didn't really find much at all. Below the fold are a a range of responses to various questions.
Religious leaders should not influence how people vote
AzeriPersian
Agree strongly23.525.8
Agree 32.536
Neither21.921.9
Disagree17.914.3
Strongly disagree4.22.1
Religious leaders should not influence government
AzeriPersian
Agree strongly13.717.5
Agree 29.927
Neither24.328.1
Disagree24.322.2
Strongly disagree7.75.1
Better if more people with strong religious beliefs in office
AzeriPersian
Agree strongly38.129.1
Agree 3538.2
Neither18.320.7
Disagree6.69.1
Strongly disagree22.9
Proud of nationality
AzeriPersian
Very proud69.664.4
Quite proud25.229.2
Not very proud3.55.3
Not at all proud1.81.2
See myself as a world citizen
AzeriPersian
Agree strongly29.130.5
Agree 5053.8
Neither17.914.1
Disagree2.61.6
Strongly disagree
Highest education attained
AzeriPersian
Elementary23.116.4
Secondary24.430.1
University, etc.10.520.2
Never justifiable
AzeriPersian
Divorce45.945.8
Abortion61.760.7
Prostitution81.481.8
Homosexuality82.181.7
Bribery7073.9
AzeriPersian
A religious person88.282.9
Not a religious person11.217
Atheist00.1
Which party would you vote for?
AzeriPersian
Would not vote1.62.2
None3.85.5
Other34.3
Fundamentalists23.223.4
Reformists37.337.3
Independents31.127.3
