A dispute over school uniform rules and headscarves has exposed growing tensions between Turkey and Azerbaijan. The disagreement has triggered sharp exchanges between officials from the two countries, despite their longstanding alliance.
The controversy began after Azerbaijan changed its school uniform regulations. The new rules reportedly prohibit clothing that conflicts with standard uniforms or the secular principles of education.
Oktay Saral, chief adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, criticised the decision on Monday. He described the move as unacceptable and called on Azerbaijan to reverse it.
Saral argued that wearing headscarves was a requirement of faith. His remarks sparked a strong response from Azerbaijan’s ruling party.
Azerbaijan Rejects Turkish Criticism
The ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party (YAP) responded on Tuesday with a strongly worded statement. It criticised Saral and members of Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) for what it called irresponsible political statements.
The party also rejected claims that Azerbaijan’s relationship with Israel justified accusations against its government. It described the criticism as part of a growing campaign against the country.
The disagreement reflects differences between Azerbaijan’s secular political system and Turkey’s more religiously conservative leadership. The dispute over headscarves has also become linked to wider regional and diplomatic tensions.
Turkey and Azerbaijan have traditionally maintained close relations. Their partnership is often described through the slogan, “One nation, two states.”
However, their approaches to religion, education and international relations sometimes differ. The latest dispute has brought those differences into public view.
Azerbaijan’s Growing Ties With Israel
The disagreement also highlights contrasting relationships with Israel. Azerbaijan has strengthened its ties with Israel, particularly since the 2020 war over Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia.
Israel supplied Azerbaijan with drones and other weapons during the conflict, according to the reference report. The two countries have continued to maintain close relations.
Turkey’s relationship with Israel has deteriorated significantly. Erdogan has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, while Ankara has maintained contact with leaders of Hamas.
Turkey’s government has also expressed strong criticism of Israeli military operations. These differences have added another dimension to the disagreement between Ankara and Baku.
Turkey’s pro-government media has criticised Azerbaijan’s headscarves regulations. The Yeni Safak newspaper reportedly suggested the decision could be viewed as a gesture towards Israel.
Azerbaijan’s ruling party rejected attempts to portray its relationship with Israel as exceptional or use it to support political accusations.
Azerbaijan Pursues a More Independent Foreign Policy
Analysts say Azerbaijan has become more confident in defending its own interests. Its growing regional influence has allowed it to resist pressure from larger partners, including Turkey.
Political analyst Fuad Shahbazov said Azerbaijan was pursuing a more pragmatic foreign policy. He argued that Baku was increasingly unwilling to accept pressure from external actors, even close allies.
Despite the public disagreement, officials from both countries have signalled that they want to maintain relations. On Friday, AKP deputy chairman Kursad Zorlu said the two sides could resolve their problems privately.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also praised the countries’ strong leadership ties during a regional summit in Baku.
Economic and Strategic Ties Remain Important
Experts believe neither country wants the dispute to damage their broader partnership. Cooperation in energy and regional transport remains important to both governments.
Azerbaijan is also a strategic gateway for Turkey’s ambitions in Central Asia. Its energy resources and regional connections give Baku significant influence in the relationship.
Meanwhile, Turkey remains an important partner for Azerbaijan amid regional instability involving Russia, Iran and neighbouring countries.
However, other disagreements continue. Azerbaijan announced an international arrest warrant for Turkish journalist Celal Ciftci on Friday.
Prosecutors accused Ciftci of calling for a coup in Azerbaijan and promoting religious extremism. The case adds another point of tension between the two countries.
The dispute over headscarves has therefore exposed broader differences in political priorities. Both governments face pressure to manage these disagreements without undermining their longstanding strategic partnership.
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