Uniform Rule Sparks Protests

Azerbaijan tightened dress-code rules in state schools through a cabinet decision on 21 September 2026. The rule does not mention the word hijab explicitly, but bans additional clothing that disrupts uniformity and contradicts the principles of secular education. In practice, it has been enforced as a hijab ban.

On 6 October 2026, the restriction was extended to teachers. Several hijab-wearing students were reportedly turned away from schools, triggering protests in various regions. Azerbaijan's Interior Ministry said 37 people were detained on Monday (12/10/2026) for disturbing public order while opposing enforcement.

Ankara Protests, Baku Bristles

Criticism poured in from Turkiye, mainly from conservative circles. Oktay Saral, adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, wrote on social media that denying hijab-wearing students their right to education on religious grounds was "unacceptable". He said the hijab is a matter of faith and urged Azerbaijan to immediately correct the mistake. Several MPs from the ruling AKP voiced similar objections.

Baku's response was sharp. The ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) condemned Saral's remarks as "populist and irresponsible", saying they risked damaging ties between the two close allies. YAP asked Turkiye and its ruling party to respect Azerbaijan's domestic affairs, stressing the new rule is grounded in equality, secularism, and the rule of law.

A Test for "One Nation, Two States"

The dispute is a serious test for Turkiye-Azerbaijan relations, long described as "one nation, two states". While centered on the headscarf and secularism in education, analysts see a deeper geopolitical fault line.

Azerbaijan's strategic relationship with Israel — at a time when Turkiye-Israel ties are deteriorating — is cited as a more significant source of tension between Ankara and Baku. Azerbaijan itself is a secular former Soviet republic with a Muslim-majority population, whose constitution separates religion from the state while guaranteeing freedom of religion.