Azerbaijan Stops Hijab-Wearing Girls From Studying

Amidst changes to school dress codes in Azerbaijan, some institutions have begun refusing entry to students and teachers wearing hijabs, leading to protests and classroom boycotts. The amendment, approved recently, does not directly prohibit the Islamic headscarf but bans clothing authorities deem incompatible with the country's "principle of secularism."

The government claims the modifications aim to establish a consistent attire policy in state schools. Azerbaijan is defined as secular by its constitution while also respecting religious freedoms. Teacher Zahra Hasanova was informed she could no longer wear her hijab at school and deemed the restriction as hurtful, emphasizing that personal choices regarding the headscarf should be respected.

Videos on social media showed students shedding tears and hugging teachers who were denied access. Reports indicate that students at at least two schools boycotted classes due to the new rules. The backlash has also extended to Turkey, where demonstrators gathered outside Azerbaijan's consulate in Istanbul, pleading for authorities to reconsider the decision.

President Ilham Aliyev subsequently cautioned against interference in Azerbaijan's way of life during a party congress speech, without explicitly naming Turkey. The restrictions have sparked concerns about the educational and employment opportunities for women and girls who choose to wear the hijab.