Diplomatic tension between Azerbaijan and Turkey over secular education policies

On September 21, 2026, the Azerbaijani government introduced new standardized school uniform regulations for public schools, which effectively exclude the hijab, reinforcing the state's secular identity as outlined in Articles 7 and 18 of the Constitution. While the policy applies exclusively to primary and secondary schools, it has led to students wearing hijabs being denied entry to classes, triggering public protests.

In response to these developments and subsequent critical rhetoric from Turkish officials, Baku denied entry to 31 Turkish citizens, including politicians and party members. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these individuals were blocked for using social media to incite religious hatred and promote the violent overthrow of the government, threatening national sovereignty and constitutional order.

The Caucasus Muslims Office, the nation's supreme religious body, recognized the hijab as a religious obligation but simultaneously declared that citizens must respect state decisions. Baku has warned that further appropriate measures may be taken if the interference continues, signaling a deterioration in bilateral relations between the two nations as Azerbaijan asserts its autonomy from Turkish influence.