Azerbaijan Stops Hijab-Wearing Girls From Studying

Some schools in Azerbaijan have begun turning away hijab-wearing students and teachers after changes to school clothing regulations, triggering protests and classroom boycotts.

Key points

• President Ilham Aliyev subsequently cautioned against interference in Azerbaijan's way of life during a party congress speech, without directly naming Turkiye.
• The backlash has additionally spread to Turkiye, where demonstrators gathered outside Azerbaijan's consulate in Istanbul and called on authorities to reconsider the decision.
• Teacher Zahra Hasanova remarked she was informed she could no longer wear her hijab at school.
• The amendment, approved last month, does not explicitly ban the Muslim headscarf.
• Videos circulating on social media indicated students crying and embracing teachers who had been turned away.

In practice, the amendment, approved last month, does not explicitly ban the Muslim headscarf. Instead, it prohibits clothing that authorities say conflicts with the country's "principle of secularism." European Country Bans Hijab in Schools.

In practice, the administration states the changes aim to establish a unified dress code in state schools. Azerbaijan's constitution defines the country as secular while additionally guaranteeing religious freedom.

Teacher Zahra Hasanova remarked she was informed she could no longer wear her hijab at school. She described the restriction as hurtful, arguing that wearing or removing the headscarf should remain her personal choice.

Videos circulating on social media indicated students crying and embracing teachers who had been turned away. Local reports remarked students at at least two schools boycotted classes over the restrictions.

For context, the backlash has additionally spread to Turkiye, where demonstrators gathered outside Azerbaijan's consulate in Istanbul and called on authorities to reconsider the decision. Austria Set to Approve Headscarf Ban for Girls Under 14.

For context, the restrictions have triggered concern regarding access to education and employment for women and girls who choose to wear the hijab. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

Taken together, the developments around azerbaijan Stops Hijab point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.