Azerbaijan school hijab restrictions spark protests and diplomatic tension

hijab ban school uniform regulations Azerbaijan protests secularism diplomatic tension

Azerbaijan is facing widespread protests and social unrest following the implementation of new school uniform regulations. While the Cabinet of Ministers' September 21 decree does not explicitly name the hijab, school administrators have reportedly barred female students and teachers from attending classes if they do not comply with the new secular dress code.

The situation has triggered significant diplomatic friction between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Turkish officials have criticized the move as a mistake, while the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party has dismissed these criticisms as irresponsible and slanderous. Additionally, Iranian officials have warned that such policies could lead to political instability.

In response to the demonstrations, which have seen unprecedented participation from minors, Azerbaijani authorities have taken several actions. At least 37 people were arrested in Baku on October 12, with some reports suggesting higher numbers. Furthermore, users have reported disruptions to access for Instagram and TikTok within the country.

Entities

Ali Motahari · Azerbaijan · Ilham Aliyev · Iran · Oktay Saral · Turkey · Yeni Azerbaijan Party

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] At least 37 people were arrested in Baku on 12 October 2026, though pro-government media reported up to 200 detentions. maktoobmedia.com · news.republika.co.id · verige.net
[● 3 SOURCES] New dress code requirements have been extended to female teachers, with reports of educators being told to remove their headscarves. www.cnbcindonesia.com · maktoobmedia.com · entrevue.fr
[● 4 SOURCES] Users have reported losing access to social media platforms Instagram and TikTok within Azerbaijan. entrevue.fr · maktoobmedia.com · lavozdelprm.org · verige.net
[● 6 SOURCES] The Cabinet of Ministers amended school uniform rules on 21 September 2026 to prohibit clothing that breaks the uniform code or is considered inconsistent with secular education principles. maktoobmedia.com · lavozdelprm.org · www.cnbcindonesia.com · entrevue.fr · www.bakupost.az · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Iranian parliamentarian Ali Motahari warned that Azerbaijan's policies regarding the hijab could lead to political instability similar to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. news.republika.co.id
[● 3 SOURCES] School administrators have barred students wearing hijabs from attending classes following the implementation of new dress codes. www.cnbcindonesia.com · entrevue.fr · maktoobmedia.com