Azerbaijan’s school hijab ban: What’s behind it, and what’s next?

What the report says

Azerbaijan has faced protests after a government amendment began indirectly restricting the wearing of hijabs in schools. According to Al Jazeera, the change, approved last month, does not explicitly name the Muslim headscarf but bars clothing that officials say conflicts with the country’s secular principle. The effect has been felt as some schools started preventing students and teachers from attending classes while wearing hijabs.

The reporting says the policy has triggered public backlash, including demonstrations and online campaigning inside Azerbaijan. Videos shared on social media showed emotional scenes at schools, and local media reported boycotts in at least two schools. One teacher, Zahra Hasanova, told Al Jazeera she was informed she could no longer wear the hijab at work. The story also notes that imprisoned journalist Polad Aslanov launched a hunger strike in protest, while claims of internet blackouts were not confirmed by monitoring groups.

Al Jazeera said Azerbaijan’s education authorities frame the rule as part of a unified dress code tied to secularism, while also allowing some culturally themed clothing for approved celebrations. The article places the dispute in a country where most people identify as Muslim but the constitution defines the state as secular and guarantees religious freedom. The issue has also spilled into Turkiye, where demonstrators outside Azerbaijan’s consulate in Istanbul urged a reversal of the decision.