Azerbaijan’s school hijab ban: What’s behind it, and what’s next?

A Azerbaijani government decision to indirectly ban the hijab in schools has sparked protests. The amendment, approved last month, did not explicitly ban the headscarf but prohibited clothing deemed to violate the principle of secularism. Teachers and students, like Zahra Hasanova, have been prevented from wearing the hijab, leading to emotional reactions and protests in several schools. The official press stated that the measure aims to ensure a unified dress code reflecting secular principles, with allowances for cultural clothing during celebrations with approval, but the move has faced widespread opposition.