Azerbaijan’s hijab restrictions in schools spark protests, rights concerns

Baku: Azerbaijan’s new restrictions on religious clothing in public schools have triggered protests and raised concerns over the balance between secular education and freedom of religion, with teachers and students reportedly being denied entry for wearing hijabs.

Gulshan Aliyeva, an English teacher with 23 years of experience, said she was turned away from her school this week because of her headscarf. Her daughter was also barred from entering her school in Baku. Aliyeva is considering legal action, arguing that the restrictions undermine her right to work and her daughter’s access to education.

The rules introduced last month prohibit students from wearing clothing deemed inconsistent with secular principles in education, without explicitly naming the hijab. Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry said 37 people were detained on Monday for allegedly disrupting public order over the restrictions.

The measure has divided opinion in the predominantly Muslim country. While some residents support uniform dress codes in schools, opposition figures have called for discussion and compromise, particularly for younger students. The head of the Caucasus Muslims Board has described the hijab as a significant religious obligation while criticising protests that disrupt educational institutions.

Turkey has also criticised the restrictions, prompting a sharp response from Azerbaijan’s ruling party over the potential impact on bilateral relations.

The dispute centres on reconciling Azerbaijan’s constitutional commitment to secular education with its guarantee of freedom of conscience.