Azerbaijan School Hijab Dispute Sparks Debate Over Religious Expression

Azerbaijan School Hijab Dispute Sparks Debate Over Religious Expression
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A dispute over the exclusion of hijab-wearing students from a public school in Azerbaijan has sparked debate over school uniform rules and religious expression in state education.

Several female students were reportedly prevented from entering a government school in the city of Sumqayit after officials said their headscarves did not comply with newly introduced uniform regulations. Videos shared on social media showed some students leaving the school in distress.

The incident followed amendments approved by Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers on 21 September 2026, requiring students in public schools to follow approved uniform standards. The regulations prohibit additions to school clothing that could affect uniformity or conflict with the principle of secular public education.

Although the rules do not explicitly mention the hijab or head coverings, their interpretation and application to Muslim students wearing hijab have raised questions among parents and observers.