New uniform rules in Azerbaijan effectively ban hijabs in schools, sparking rare public protests and diplomatic tension with Turkey.
Azerbaijan recently started enforcing new school uniform rules. These guidelines effectively ban female students from wearing hijabs in state schools. The education ministry claims these rules support the country's secular education system. However, the decision has triggered rare public protests across the nation.
Next, students and parents gathered outside schools in Baku and southern districts. One viral video shows a student questioning why she must choose between her education and her faith. Other students held banners stating that headscarves do not stop them from learning.
Meanwhile, the government has responded harshly to the growing dissent. Police detained 37 people on Monday for violating public order. Reports indicate that some parents received threats of prison if their daughters did not remove their headscarves.
Also, authorities appear to be targeting activists involved in the movement. One activist, Ilkin Huseynov, disappeared after creating an online platform for barred students. Friends believe he is currently in custody, though officials have not confirmed his status.
Furthermore, internet users report issues accessing social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Experts believe the government is restricting online communication to limit the spread of protest footage. Officials remain firm that children should not face pressure to wear religious clothing.
Then, the controversy reached Azerbaijan’s closest ally, Turkey. Turkish government officials labeled the ban unacceptable and urged Baku to change its policy. President Erdogan’s chief advisor publicly criticized the restrictions as a mistake.
However, Azerbaijan’s ruling party rejected these comments as interference in domestic affairs. They warned that such criticism could harm the strong bond between the two nations. President Aliyev stated that other countries should avoid commenting on their way of life.
Finally, some observers link this tension to Azerbaijan’s complex international relationships. The country maintains strong ties with Israel, which creates friction with neighbors like Turkey and Iran. Recent diplomatic events highlighted these deep divisions when several delegations walked out during a regional summit in Baku.