Erdogan Seeks to Mend Ties with Azerbaijan Amid Hijab Dispute

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Azerbaijan on November 8, 2026, aiming to repair a rift with his close ally. The dispute originated from Azerbaijan's September decision to restrict the use of Islamic headscarves in schools as part of new dress code regulations aimed at preserving the secular nature of the education system. This move drew criticism from circles close to Turkey's ruling party. Baku reacted sharply, accusing Turkish elements of interfering in its internal affairs and banning over 30 Turkish citizens from entering the country. Erdoğan subsequently dismissed his advisor, Oktay Saral, who had publicly criticized Azerbaijan's policy.

The crisis deepened when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, despite a personal invitation from Erdoğan, did not attend the Organization of Turkic States summit in Ankara on October 30. The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, represented him, a move interpreted as a diplomatic protest. Erdoğan was received by Aliyev and his wife upon landing in Fuzuli, Karabakh, where the two leaders were scheduled to hold political talks in Shusha on bilateral relations and regional developments.

Beyond the headscarf issue, analysts point to deeper disagreements. Azerbaijan maintains close security and strategic ties with Israel, including significant arms purchases, while Turkey maintains a hostile stance towards Jerusalem and fosters relations with Hamas. Another point of contention is Ankara's rapprochement with Armenia, Baku's historical adversary, and Azerbaijan's insistence on maintaining its political independence from Turkish interference. Despite these tensions, the two nations continue extensive military and economic cooperation. Erdoğan's visit is intended to underscore that their alliance, described by the slogan "One nation, two states," remains strong despite recent disagreements.