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

In Azerbaijan, the debate over wearing the hijab in public schools has led to protests and arrests. Gulshan Aliyeva, a teacher with 23 years of experience, was denied entry to her school in Baku for wearing her headscarf, and her daughter was also prevented from entering. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that 37 people had been detained for disrupting public order during protests. Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, head of the Caucasus Muslims Board, said the hijab is an important religious obligation but criticized protesters for disturbing schools.