Azerbaijan’s new school dress code has led to protests after some schools began refusing entry to girls and teachers wearing the hijab. Although the government has not explicitly banned the Muslim headscarf, its new rules prohibit clothing considered inconsistent with secular education.
The restrictions have become controversial in Azerbaijan, where around 96 percent of the population identifies as Muslim. Videos circulating online show students crying, embracing teachers and protesting outside schools.
What Do Azerbaijan’s New School Rules Say?
The changes began in July 2026, when the government added references to national values and secularism to the Law on General Education.
On September 21, the Cabinet approved amendments requiring students to follow a uniform dress code. The rules prohibit additional clothing that conflicts with school uniforms or the principle of secular education.
However, the regulations do not specifically mention the hijab. This has left schools to interpret how the restrictions should apply.
Azerbaijan’s Education Ministry introduced similar restrictions in 2010, arguing that religious headscarves conflicted with school uniform requirements.
Students and Teachers Protest the Restrictions
Reports of restrictions had already emerged in March. Activist Arzu Abdulla said students faced hijab-related restrictions at School No. 261 in Baku’s Khatai district, Schools No. 3 and 4 in Mehdiabad, and Schools No. 15 and 17 in Sumgait.
She also reported that two hijab-wearing teachers were removed from School No. 17 on March 15.
Following the September amendments, videos showed students protesting and saying goodbye to teachers who had reportedly been prevented from entering classrooms.
Local media reported that students at at least two schools boycotted classes.
Teacher Zahra Hasanova told Al Jazeera that she had been informed she could no longer wear her hijab at school. She described the decision as upsetting and said wearing or removing the headscarf should remain her personal choice.
Protests Spread Beyond Azerbaijan
The controversy has also attracted attention outside the country.
Imprisoned journalist Polad Aslanov began a hunger strike, saying the restrictions violated constitutional rights. Local reports also said a theologian who criticised the measures received a 30-day jail sentence. Demonstrators gathered outside Azerbaijan’s consulate in Istanbul, calling on authorities to reconsider the restrictions.
President Ilham Aliyev later warned against outside interference in Azerbaijan’s lifestyle during a speech at his party’s congress.
Although he did not directly mention Türkiye, his comments followed protests there.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had previously spoken about discrimination against Muslim women during his September 23 address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Why Is Azerbaijan Defending the Dress Code?
Azerbaijan’s government maintains that the regulations are intended to create a consistent school environment based on secular principles.
The state-run Azerbaijani Press Agency (APA) said the amendments support a unified dress code and professional standards.
The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum also defended secularism as an important national principle and warned against turning the controversy into a religious confrontation.
Azerbaijan’s constitution defines the country as secular while also protecting religious freedom. Critics argue that preventing hijab-wearing students from attending school creates a conflict between these principles.
On October 6, the Cabinet also approved dress requirements for teachers. The guidelines call for clean, neat, simple and professional clothing appropriate for the school environment.
However, the Education Ministry has not clearly explained whether teachers wearing hijabs can meet these requirements.
