Quick question, how do you pronounce "Azerbaijan"? I've been pronouncing it [æzəɹbɑɪːʒɑn], but my World Geography teacher pronounces it [æzəbeɪːn].
Yours is closer. I have no idea where your teacher got that from, but apparently he speaks a non-rhotic accent. I've always said [ˌæzɚˈbaɪdʒæn] but apparently the stress is usually on the last syllable. I don't know what the stress rules are in Azeri or anything.
It is too funny that Iranian Azaris have a great struggle to preserve their culture. For me I don't care races (because scientifically there is no pure race) and don't care cultures (although some cultural things are enjoyable for taking a good time such as Norouz).
Why shouldn't Azeris value their heritage? The world would be a very boring place indeed if everyone simply assimilated into the dominant culture.