Azerbaijan's new dress rules for state schools have triggered protests after students and teachers wearing hijabs were stopped from entering classrooms. The dispute has unfolded in a country where about 96% of the population is Muslim, while the constitution defines Azerbaijan as secular and protects freedom of religion.
The rules do not expressly name the hijab. However, they restrict clothing viewed as visibly connected with religion and not compatible with the principles of secularism, according to the reported explanation of the policy.
At least two schools have seen classroom boycotts by female students opposing the changes. Demonstrations have also begun around the schools. Videos shared on social media show students crying at school gates and embracing their teachers.
What the new rules allow
The government's stated position is that all students should follow the same uniform standard. Cultural or traditional clothing may be permitted on special occasions, but only with approval from a school committee.
That approach has become the central point of the dispute. Critics argue that wearing a hijab is a personal decision and that students should not be forced either to remove it or to wear it. Teacher Zahra Hasanова said the choice should not be imposed in either direction.
The reported policy has therefore raised questions about how Azerbaijan will balance its secular state framework with the constitutional right to practise religion. The available reporting does not identify a direct ban using the word hijab, but describes restrictions affecting religiously associated clothing.
Wider protests over the policy
Opposition has extended beyond the affected schools. Journalist Polad Aslanov, who is in prison, has begun a hunger strike against the decision. Demonstrators also gathered outside Azerbaijan's embassy in Istanbul, Türkiye, demanding that the rules be reconsidered.
The protests have placed the school uniform issue in a broader public debate over religious expression, education rules and the limits of state-enforced uniformity. The reported videos and classroom boycotts show that the disagreement is affecting students, teachers and families connected with the schools.
The government's position remains focused on a single standard for students, with limited permission for cultural or traditional dress through school approval. The reported opposition is focused on the treatment of hijab-wearing students and teachers under the new requirements.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan's revised school dress rules have led to classroom boycotts and protests after hijab-wearing students and teachers were denied entry. The dispute centres on the balance between a common uniform policy, secularism and freedom of religious choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What caused the protests in Azerbaijan's schools?
The protests followed new state-school dress rules that restrict clothing viewed as connected with religion. Students and teachers wearing hijabs were reportedly stopped from entering classrooms.
Q. Does the policy explicitly ban the hijab?
The reported rules do not name the hijab directly. They restrict religiously associated clothing in schools.
Q. How many schools have seen classroom boycotts?
At least two schools have seen female students boycott classes in opposition to the changes.
Q. What is the government's justification?
The government says all students should wear a common uniform. It allows cultural or traditional clothing on special occasions with school committee approval.
Q. What is Azerbaijan's religious and constitutional position?
About 96% of Azerbaijan's population is Muslim. Its constitution defines the country as secular while protecting freedom of religion.
Q. Who is Zahra Hasanова?
Zahra Hasanова is a teacher who said wearing a hijab is a personal decision and should not be forced or prohibited through pressure.
Q. What other actions have been reported against the policy?
Prison journalist Polad Aslanov has begun a hunger strike. Demonstrators also gathered outside Azerbaijan's embassy in Istanbul, Türkiye.
