Azerbaijan students protest new dress code banning headscarves

Students across Azerbaijan have stopped attending classes and gathered outside schools to oppose a new government dress code banning headscarves.

The Azerbaijani government recently introduced the secular uniform policy. It bars both hijab-wearing pupils and teachers from entering classrooms. Videos posted online show the demonstrations spreading across multiple districts.

Local authorities are responding to the unrest. The Baku City Education Department announced it will conduct monitoring visits to schools. Officials plan to track attendance and ensure compliance with the new rules.

The policy has also sparked debate beyond the classroom. Teachers at state schools face the same restrictions, prompting concerns that the measures limit freedom of expression. Meanwhile, the government in Ankara has not issued a public statement about the restrictions.