Protest Outside Azerbaijan Consulate in Istanbul Over School Hijab Restrictions

Protest Outside Azerbaijan Consulate in Istanbul Over School Hijab Restrictions
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Demonstrators gathered outside Azerbaijan’s Consulate General in Istanbul to protest what they described as restrictions on Muslim girls wearing the hijab in Azerbaijani schools, calling on authorities in Baku to reconsider recent measures related to school uniforms.

The protest was organized by Özgür-Der, with participants carrying banners rejecting restrictions on the hijab and chanting slogans including “Freedom for the Hijab.” Other signs read “No to the Hijab Ban in Azerbaijan” and “The Hijab Is the Identity of a Muslim Woman.” Protesters also referred to Turkey’s “February 28” period, when restrictions on the hijab were imposed in educational and public institutions.

The demonstration followed changes and measures concerning school uniform regulations in Azerbaijan. Organizers said the new rules have been used to restrict hijab-wearing students, citing cases in which students were reportedly prevented from entering schools in Baku and Sumqayit.

Activist Ahmed Kerim Artuk said the regulations prohibit clothing elements considered incompatible with the prescribed school uniform or the principles of secular public education, arguing that the measures have effectively placed additional restrictions on students who wear the hijab.

Hulya Şekerci, a former founding president of Özgür-Der, compared the measures to Turkey’s February 28 era and called for students not to face pressure because of their religious dress. Protesters urged Azerbaijani authorities to review the regulations and ensure that hijab-wearing students are not denied access to education.