Azerbaijan’s Secular Uniform Mandate Sparks Protests and 37 Arrests

Key points

• The Cabinet of Ministers approved an amendment to school uniform rules, prohibiting clothing that violates the 'principle of secularism,' which effectively bars the hijab for students and staff.
• Protests erupted in Baku, with students boycotting classes and teachers like Zahra Hasanova expressing emotional distress over the loss of personal choice.
• The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that 37 people were arrested for 'gross violation of public order' and damage to educational institutions during the unrest.
• Imprisoned journalist Polad Aslanov launched a hunger strike in protest, calling the measure a trampling of constitutional rights.
• Protests spread to Turkiye, where demonstrators gathered outside the Azerbaijani consulate in Istanbul, drawing parallels to the 1997 headscarf ban in Turkey.
• President Ilham Aliyev warned against foreign interference in Azerbaijan's lifestyle, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted discrimination against Muslim women at the UN.

Background

This development follows a broader trend in Europe regarding head coverings in schools, including recent bans in Austria and Italy. In Austria, a ban on headscarves for girls under 14 was implemented in September 2026, while Italy enacted a decree banning veils in schools in late September 2026. These measures have faced legal and social challenges, mirroring the current tensions in Azerbaijan.

How outlets are covering it

Perspectives on the policy vary sharply. The Azerbaijani government and its parliamentary supporters, such as MPs Gunay Agamali and Mehriban Valiyeva, argue that the uniform policy promotes social equality, discipline, and secularism, citing similar practices in the UK, Japan, and South Korea. They emphasize that the rules prevent social stratification and protect the educational environment. Conversely, critics, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), label the ban 'bigoted and fascist' and urge the US State Department to intervene. Local opposition figures and journalists, such as Polad Aslanov, view the measure as a violation of religious freedom and constitutional rights. International observers in Turkiye have drawn parallels to historical bans on headscarves, viewing the current situation as a regression in civil liberties. While the government frames the issue as one of professional standards and secularism, opponents frame it as a targeted suppression of Muslim identity.

Why it matters

The situation highlights the tension between state secularism and religious freedom in a predominantly Muslim country. The crackdown on protests and the international diplomatic friction with Turkiye, a key ally, could impact regional stability and Azerbaijan's foreign policy relationships. The policy also sets a precedent for how secularism is interpreted in educational settings, potentially influencing future regulations on religious expression in public institutions.

What to watch

The government has stated that measures to protect public order will continue, and it has warned against further 'unlawful actions.' The international community, particularly the US and Turkiye, may increase diplomatic pressure on Baku. The outcome of the criminal cases against the 37 arrested individuals will be a key indicator of the government's stance on dissent. Additionally, the reaction of other Muslim-majority nations and international human rights organizations will likely shape the broader discourse on religious freedom in education.