Azerbaijan's new school uniform rule banning headscarves sparks rare protests and tensions with Turkey

Azerbaijan's education ministry began enforcing new uniform rules last Monday, barring female pupils wearing hijabs from state schools in Baku and southern districts, leading to rare protests. The government, which constitutionally enforces secularism, detained 37 people for obstructing the rules. Turkey, Azerbaijan's closest ally, criticized the ban, suggesting it is influenced by Iran, further straining bilateral relations.