{"id":305101,"date":"2026-10-15T10:09:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T06:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abcmedia.am\/?p=305101"},"modified":"2026-10-15T10:19:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T06:19:58","slug":"the-hijab-of-discord-the-hijab-controversy-has-marked-the-first-serious-rift-in-relations-with-ankara-in-the-history-of-independent-azerbaijan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abcmedia.am\/en\/news\/305101\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hijab of discord: The hijab controversy has marked the first serious rift in relations with Ankara in the history of independent Azerbaijan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Baku reacted with indignation to harsh criticism from Turkey following the adoption of new school uniform regulations that ban wearing the hijab, according to Kommersant<\/a>. Turkish politicians not only failed to condemn the acts of vandalism committed in Azerbaijan by opponents of the new school dress code, but they also accused Baku of violating “Islamic values.”<\/p>\n

In response, the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party warned that Ankara’s accusations constituted an attack on the sovereignty and foundations of the secular Azerbaijani state.<\/p>\n

During law enforcement operations to restore order, police detained several dozen people, and criminal proceedings were initiated against some of them under Article 233 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan (organization of actions that disrupt public order, or active participation in such actions).<\/p>\n

The hijab controversy in Azerbaijan has become the first serious disagreement in relations with Ankara over the entire 35-plus-year history of the independent Azerbaijani state.<\/p>\n

While political forces in Turkey are increasingly and openly courting Islamists as a way to boost their influence in society, national consolidation in Azerbaijan is built around the idea of strengthening the country’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Islamists remain the only force unhappy with the secular nature of the state and willing to challenge the authorities.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"