# Hijab restrictions at Azerbaijani schools spark rare protests

https://mins.news/en/item/103514

- DW, 2026-10-16 17:46 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/hijab-ban-at-schools-in-azerbaijan-what-s-behind-the-rare-wave-of-protests/a-79683716?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Girls wearing headscarves have been turned away from schools in Azerbaijan, prompting nearly a week of unusual protests involving children. While government uniform rules do not explicitly mention hijabs, some school administrators have applied them to headscarves. The dispute has raised questions about religious freedom, secular education and outside influence. The Interior Ministry said 37 people were detained in connection with the protests.

## Related coverage

- [School headscarf ban sparks rare protests in Azerbaijan and row with Turkey](https://mins.news/en/item/101802) — BBC News, 2026-10-15
- [Azerbaijani schools bar girls wearing hijabs; male classmates refuse classes in solidarity](https://mins.news/en/item/98768) — Meduza, 2026-10-13