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Azerbaijan school hijab ban sparks protests and social media campaign

Amendment to uniform rules bars religious clothing in state schools, citing secularism

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
An Azerbaijani government decision to indirectly ban the hijab in state schools has triggered protests, social media campaigns and a student boycott, with critics calling it a violation of religious freedom in the predominantly Muslim country.

An amendment to Azerbaijan's regulations on school uniforms, approved last month, has led to students and teachers being barred from classes if they wear the hijab. While the amendment does not explicitly mention the Muslim headscarf, it prohibits clothing that violates the "principle of secularism", according to the state-run Azerbaijani Press Agency (APA).

The APA said the change aims to ensure a unified dress code reflecting the country's secular principle. It added that clothes reflecting Azerbaijan's "history, culture, and national and moral values" may be worn for celebrations with approval from the Pedagogical Council. The APA argued the measures ensure teachers reflect "professional standards" and positively affect the school's public reputation.

Around 96 percent of Azerbaijan's population identifies as Muslim. The constitution defines the country as secular while also guaranteeing religious freedom.

Teacher Zahra Hasanova told Al Jazeera she was informed she could no longer wear the hijab at school. "To be honest, I am a little emotional. I am hurt," she said. "[The hijab] is a personal choice, and if one day I want to take it off, that should be my choice too."

Videos have circulated on social media showing students hugging their teachers and crying as they were turned away from schools. Local media reported boycotts in at least two schools. Imprisoned journalist Polad Aslanov, serving a 113-year sentence for high treason, launched a hunger strike, calling the new requirements a violation of constitutional rights.

Protests have also spread to Turkiye, with parallels drawn to that country's 1997 "post-modern coup" when headscarf bans were imposed in universities and civil service. Reports of internet blackouts during the protests have not been confirmed by watchdog groups such as NetBlocks.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The ban affects the daily lives of thousands of female students and teachers in a nearly 96 percent Muslim country, raising questions about religious freedom and secularism.
  • The protests could escalate, drawing broader political attention to Azerbaijan's human rights record, particularly amid ongoing tensions with neighbouring Armenia.
  • The spread of demonstrations to Turkiye suggests the issue may resonate regionally, reviving debates about the role of religion in public institutions.

Background

Azerbaijan is a secular state with a Muslim-majority population. Its constitution guarantees religious freedom but also enshrines secularism. The government has previously restricted religious expression in various contexts. The recent amendment to uniform regulations is the latest move aimed at reinforcing secularism in state educational institutions. Critics view it as part of a broader pattern of suppressing religious identity, while the government maintains it is necessary for maintaining neutrality in public schools.

Key Perspectives

Government of Azerbaijani: The amendment is necessary to uphold the secular principle and ensure a unified dress code that reflects professional standards and national values in state schools. Affected students and teachers: They view the hijab as a personal religious choice and argue the ban violates their constitutional right to religious freedom. The social media campaign and boycotts represent grassroots resistance. Critics and human rights advocates: They see the move as an infringement on religious liberty, particularly targeting women and girls. The hunger strike by imprisoned journalist Polad Aslanov highlights the broader climate of suppression of dissent.

What to Watch

  • Whether the protests spread to more schools and cities within Azerbaijann- Any official response from the Ministry of Science and Education, including potential revisions to the amendment
  • Data from internet freedom watchdogs on potential internet disruptions during protestsn- Regional reactions, particularly from Turkiye, and whether diplomatic pressure follows

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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