Protests Erupt in Azerbaijan Over Restrictive School Hijab Policies

Protests have erupted across Azerbaijan following the government's decision to tighten dress code regulations in public educational institutions, effectively restricting the wearing of hijabs for students and teachers. The new rules, introduced through presidential decrees and government guidelines over the past few months, aim to preserve the secular character of the public education system but have sparked widespread public outrage.

The Controversy Over School Dress Codes

Videos circulating on social media and regional media outlets have shown female students wearing hijabs being denied entry to schools, alongside crying teachers and pupils forced to leave educational facilities. Azerbaijan, a predominantly Shia Muslim country with a staunchly secular identity, has maintained strict separation of religion and state while keeping diplomatic relations with various international partners.

According to reports from Al Jazeera and regional media outlet OC Media, the backlash has extended beyond the affected students. Pupils in several schools have boycotted classes in solidarity, while clerics, journalists, and public activists have joined the debate. Although the regulations do not explicitly ban the hijab, they use broad phrasing regarding secularism and school uniforms, leaving implementation up to individual pedagogical councils.

Crackdown on Teachers and Solidarity Protests

Restrictions have also targeted educators. In cities like Sumgayit and Baku, teachers reported being given an ultimatum by school administrations: remove the hijab or resign. Reports indicated that a hijab-wearing teacher at school number 90 in Baku's Ramana district was dismissed, prompting emotional farewells from students.

The protests have even spilled over into the penal and political spheres. Imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Polad Aslanov launched a hunger strike through his wife to protest the restrictions, while religious figure Avgul Suleymanov was sentenced to administrative detention after criticizing the policy. Meanwhile, reports emerged of severe mobile internet disruptions and restricted access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok across the country.

The new regulations do not explicitly ban the hijab, but use broad phrasing regarding secularism and school uniforms, leaving room for interpretation by school administrations.

Regional Repercussions in Turkey

The controversy has crossed borders into Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan. Protests were held outside the Azerbaijani consulate in Istanbul, where demonstrators demanded the reversal of the restrictions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently criticized bans on headscarves in schools during international forums, highlighting the enduring sensitivity of the issue across the region.