Urdu Report Desk
Azerbaijan is facing growing controversy over hijab restrictions in public schools following reports that some female students and teachers wearing headscarves have been denied entry to educational institutions.
The dispute has sparked protests and renewed debate over religious freedom and the country’s secular education system.
New School Dress Regulations
On September 21, 2026, Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers amended regulations governing student clothing in public schools. The rules include restrictions on attire considered inconsistent with school uniform requirements or the principles of secular education.
Although the regulations do not explicitly announce a nationwide ban on hijab, reports have emerged that some schools have instructed students to remove their headscarves or prevented them from attending classes.
Students and Teachers Face Difficulties
According to an Al Jazeera report published on October 14, English teacher Gulshan Aliyeva said she was denied entry to her school while wearing a hijab. Her daughter was also reportedly refused entry to her school.
The developments have raised concerns among some teachers about their employment and among students about their ability to continue their education.
Baku’s education department has also announced monitoring measures to review the implementation of the new regulations in schools.
Protests and Arrests
Protests have taken place against the new dress rules. Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry said 37 people were detained on Monday on allegations of disrupting public order.
The dispute has intensified discussions about how the country should balance religious freedom with its secular education system.
Why Is Hijab a Controversial Issue in Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country, with most Muslims belonging to the Shia community and a substantial Sunni population.
The country was formerly part of the Soviet Union, and its constitution separates religion from the state. This secular framework has contributed to disagreements over dress regulations and religious expression in some public institutions.
Government Position and Religious Freedom Debate
Zahid Oruj, head of the Azerbaijani parliament’s human rights committee, has said that wearing a headscarf outside schools is not prohibited. According to him, the new rules are intended to maintain uniform dress standards in educational institutions.
Meanwhile, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, head of the Caucasus Muslims Board, has described hijab as an important religious obligation.
Some Azerbaijani political figures and human rights activists have also expressed concerns about the implications of the restrictions.
Health Ministry Rejects Alleged Hospital Hijab Ban
On October 15, 2026, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Health and the Media and Broadcasting Council issued a joint statement declaring fake a letter circulating on social media that purported to prohibit hijab in medical facilities.
Officials said the Health Ministry had not issued such an order and had not instructed hospitals or medical centres to ban headscarves.
The authorities urged media organisations and social media users to verify information through official sources and refrain from circulating fabricated documents.
No Nationwide Hijab Ban Announced
Available reports indicate that the controversy primarily concerns the implementation of new dress regulations in public schools. No comprehensive nationwide ban on wearing hijab in all public settings has been announced.
Authorities have also rejected claims of a hijab ban in medical facilities, describing the circulating letter as fake.
The situation will depend on how school dress regulations are enforced and whether further legal or administrative measures are introduced concerning religious freedom.
