Azerbaijan-Turkey parliamentary bloc rebukes Turkish officials over hijab-ban comments

Azerbaijan’s interparliamentary working group on relations with Turkey issued a statement criticizing members of the ruling Justice and Development Party and presidential adviser Oktay Saral for their comments on Azerbaijan’s school dress-code, which they described as an unfounded hijab ban. The group accused the Turkish politicians of meddling in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs and warned that such interference could damage the long-standing friendship and strategic alliance between the two nations.

It called on the AKP to respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, constitutional framework and the principle of “one nation, two states” articulated by former President Heydar Aliyev. The controversy has fueled demonstrations in Ankara, where the Köklü Değişim movement gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy, protesting the school regulations and raising accusations about Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel. The parliamentary bloc reiterated that Azerbaijan’s secular system guarantees religious freedom and that school policies apply equally to all citizens. It also condemned defamatory remarks targeting President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani people and historical figures, urging Turkish political circles to act responsibly and avoid statements that could strain bilateral relations.