What plans is Turkey pursuing regarding Azerbaijan? — Key details

Statements by Turkish officials and organisations regarding the introduction of a unified school uniform policy in Azerbaijan have sparked debate.

Political analyst Asif Narimanli commented on the issue, TodayPress TV reports.

According to him, remarks by Oktay Saral, chief adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, concerning alleged restrictions on the right to education of students wearing hijabs could be regarded as interference in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs. He noted that portraying the issue as a “hijab ban” distorts the substance of the decision on unified school uniforms.

The analysis stated that Turkey’s position raises questions about religious and ideological approaches in the region. It also suggested that these factors may play a role in Azerbaijan’s particular emphasis on maintaining its secular education system.

The statement issued by the Turkish Association of Anatolian Lions Businessmen (ASKON) was also criticised. The organisation announced its readiness to provide education and accommodation in Turkey for students who are unable to attend school in Azerbaijan because of their headscarves.

According to the analysis, ASKON’s proposal could be viewed as interference in Azerbaijan’s decision on unified school uniforms. It was also noted that such an initiative could be interpreted as encouraging students not to comply with the established dress code.

The possibility that ASKON’s position may be linked to the Turkish government’s approach was also raised. Against the backdrop of Oktay Saral’s remarks, such statements were described as a cause for concern.

Kubra Musayeva