Azerbaijan Defends School Hijab Ban Amid Protests and Turkey Tensions

The new regulations require students and teachers to adhere to attire consistent with state secularism. Although the hijab was not explicitly named in the policy, veiled female students and teachers were denied entry to educational institutions across the country. In Baku, protests against the decision led to clashes with school staff, property damage, and attempts to disrupt classes. The Interior Ministry reported that 37 people were arrested for public order disturbances. Following the circulation of videos showing veiled students crying after being turned away, activists reported restricted access to social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok.

The policy has strained relations between Azerbaijan and its close ally Turkey. Turkish officials, including an advisor to the Turkish president and members of parliament, called the restriction unacceptable and demanded that authorities in Baku reverse the decision. Azerbaijan's ruling New Azerbaijan Party rejected the Turkish criticism, labeling the statements populist and irresponsible. The party defended the nation's secular constitution, independent foreign policy, and diplomatic ties with Israel, while warning Ankara to refrain from interfering in Azerbaijani internal affairs.