Azerbaijan’s School Hijab Restrictions Spark Tensions with Turkey, Concerns over Students’ Education

Azerbaijan’s School Hijab Restrictions Spark Tensions with Turkey, Concerns over Students’ Education
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Azerbaijan’s revised school-uniform regulations have sparked protests and a political dispute with Turkey after reports emerged that some Muslim girls wearing hijabs were prevented from attending classes, raising concerns about religious freedom and access to education.

The controversy centres on Cabinet Decision No. 309, adopted on September 21, 2026. Although the measure does not explicitly prohibit the hijab, it bars clothing deemed inconsistent with school-uniform requirements or the principle of secular education. Reports from several schools, including in Sumqayit, indicate that the rules have been applied to students wearing Islamic headscarves. A separate regulation adopted on October 6 also introduced dress-code requirements for teachers.

The restrictions have prompted demonstrations in Turkey, including a protest outside Azerbaijan’s consulate in Istanbul on October 3. Turkish politicians and activists have criticized the reported exclusion of hijab-wearing students, drawing comparisons with Turkey’s February 28, 1997, period, when restrictions on religious headscarves affected women in education and public employment.