Tensions with teachers, pupils and Turkiye: Inside Azerbaijan’s hijab row

Teachers fear losing their livelihoods and students risk being excluded as Baku’s close ally appears critical. Save Share For Gulshan Aliyeva, a teacher, the debate over the hijab in Azerbaijan’s public schools has become a personal struggle that threatens her career and her daughter’s education. This week, the English teacher with 23 years of experience, went to school wearing her headscarf but was denied entry. Her daughter was also prevented from entering her school in Baku, she told Al Jazeera. “I want to fulfil my responsibilities, educate students and continue my career without my religious beliefs becoming an obstacle to my employment,” she said. Aliyeva argued that Azerbaijan’s Labour Code, specifically Article 16, prohibits discrimination in employment in the country. Last month,new rulesstopped short of explicitly singling out the hijab but banned pupils from wearing clothes that violate the principle of secularism in education. Protests have erupted over the issue in a country where more than 90 percent are Muslim. Aliyeva is among several teachers and students who have been denied entry; the Ministry of Internal Affairs said on Monday that 37 people had been detained for disrupting public order while breaking the new rules. “Our constitutional rights to work and receive an education without obstruction must be upheld,” said Aliyeva, who intends to continue reporting to work. She said she will take her case to the relevant authorities if necessary. The Baku City Education Department has announced that schools will be monitored to assess compliance. Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB), told local media on Tuesday that the hijab is “an important religious obligation”. While people “cannot oppose the decisions of the state” they can express their “views as citizens”, he added, but criticised protesters for disturbing schools. He also said the issue was being used for political purposes, while urging critics to address relevant ministers. Not everyone believes the restrictions represent an infringement of individual rights. Baku resident Timur Rzayev believes the controversy has been politicised. In his view, the government’s uniform policy should be adhered to “rather than debated”. “There is a government decision on the implementation of uniform dress codes,” he said....