Azerbaijan: A ban on headscarves in schools sparks protests

Hijab bans at schools in Azerbaijan have sparked rare protests, drawing attention both domestically and internationally. Demonstrations have taken place across the country, with students, many wearing Islamic headscarves, protesting against new school uniform rules. The situation has also led to an unusual exchange of criticism between Azerbaijani and Turkish officials, two nations often described as “one nation, two states.” The protests highlight tensions around religious freedom, secularism, and regional influences in the Caucasus region. The protests began after Azerbaijan’s education ministry enforced new uniform regulations starting last Monday. Female students wearing hijabs were reportedly denied entry to schools in the capital, Baku, and in southern districts such as Masally and Jalilabad. The demonstrations are notable given the rarity of public protests in Azerbaijan, where authorities typically disperse gatherings swiftly. In recent days, access to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has been restricted, suggesting the government views the issue as highly sensitive. The controversy stems from amendments to Azerbaijan’s general education law, passed on July 7, which reinforced secular education principles and required adherence to dress codes. Further tightening of school uniform rules came with a government resolution on September 21, prohibiting additional clothing that deviates from the standard uniform or contradicts secular education values. While the regulation does not explicitly mention the hijab, a Muslim headscarf covering the hair and neck, it has been interpreted by some school administrators as banning the garment. This interpretation has led to girls being excluded from classes, prompting protests. A separate decision issued on October 6 established dress requirements for teachers, leading to reports of women wearing headscarves being barred from teaching. These measures have drawn sharp reactions from various groups within the country. Supporters of the policies argue that uniform rules should apply equally to all students, while critics claim the exclusion of girls based on religious attire infringes upon their rights. The debate transcends traditional political lines, with some government critics supporting the restrictions and others opposing them. Families and educators have expressed concerns about the impact of these rules. One Baku-based literature teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that girls wearing hijabs were not allowed into classes at her school. Some complied by removing their scarves, while others opted to stay home or seek alternative educational arrangements. The teacher supported the enforcement of uniform rules, asserting that children are too young to decide on matters related to religious dress. Parents have offered mixed perspectives. One parent described the issue as a matter of school uniforms rather than a nationwide hijab ban, while another, critical of the restrictions, withdrew an interview before publication. Social media posts further illustrate the personal toll, with one father reporting that his daughter, a primary school teacher, was dismissed for refusing to remove her hijab. He shared documentation of a formal warning issued under the new dress regulations. Authorities have responded decisively. According to reports, 37 individuals were detained on Monday for attempting to obstruct the implementation of the rules and for “grossly violating public order.” Activists have also faced repercussions. Ilkin Huseynov, an activist who created an online platform offering free lessons to students barred from attending school, disappeared after leaving his home in Baku with unidentified men. Friends believe he has been detained, though the authorities have not confirmed this. His platform’s Instagram page became inaccessible shortly thereafter. The protests have also strained relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Following a demonstration outside the Azerbaijani consulate in Istanbul, Oktay Saral, a senior advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, criticized the denial of education to girls due to their choice of clothing. In response, Azerbaijan’s ruling party, New Azerbaijan, emphasized that close ties with Turkey do not justify interference in internal affairs. Azerbaijan, a predominantly Muslim country, has constitutional provisions ensuring the separation of religion and state, along with protections for education and freedom of conscience. However, the current situation underscores ongoing debates about the balance between secular governance and individual religious expression. With protests continuing and internet restrictions in place, the issue remains a focal point of contention in the region.