Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has called for the hijab issue in Azerbaijan to be resolved through mutual understanding and respect for religious rights, as pro-government media in Azerbaijan criticised Turkey’s response to the issue. While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has not publicly commented on the issue, his chief adviser Oktay Saral criticised the restrictions on hijab-wearing schoolgirls in Azerbaijan, prompting a response from Azerbaijan’s ruling party.
Protests over the hijab ban in schools have broken out across Azerbaijan over recent weeks, marking some of the biggest public demonstrations in the country in years. Protests have also been held abroad, particularly in Turkey, but also in front of Azerbaijani embassies and consulates.
Baqaei said Azerbaijanis were capable of making their voices heard by their government to protect their religious beliefs, while expressing hope that the issue would be resolved peacefully.
His remarks come amid protests over hijab restrictions in Azerbaijani schools and growing tensions between Baku and Ankara. Speaking at a press briefing, Baqaei referred to the longstanding friendly and brotherly relations between Tehran and Baku, saying he hoped the issue would be resolved in a way that respects shared values and the fundamental rights of the Azerbaijani people.
‘We believe that the Azerbaijani people should resolve this issue through understanding with their government’, Baqaei said, according to Sahar Azerbaijan TV.
He described Azerbaijanis as a ‘heroic and perceptive people’, adding that the hijab issue was important to Iranians, Azerbaijanis, and other Muslims.
‘I believe Azerbaijanis know best how to make their voices heard by their government in the way their country’s interests require, in order to protect their beliefs and convictions’, he said.
He also said that the Azerbaijani people were sufficiently wise to resolve challenges arising in the protection of their religious beliefs and national interests, adding that they did not need advice.
Separately, the Azerbaijani pro-government media outlet APA claimed that attacks originating in Turkey accounted for 64% of what it described as information attacks against Azerbaijan over the hijab issue, compared with 11% attributed from Iran.
The article also said that what it described as manipulative approaches by certain circles in Turkey were incompatible with the countries’ brotherly ties. It particularly highlighted that Iran had taken the step expected from Turkey.
Amid tensions between Azerbaijan and Turkey, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has added 31 Turkish citizens to its list of undesirable persons, most of whom are representatives of religious organisations and the media.
Amid debate over the hijab restrictions in Azerbaijani schools, access to TikTok has been restricted in schools. Deputy Education Minister Firudin Gurbanov said more than 200 categories of content related to dangerous topics had been banned in schools. A nationwide ban on social media use by children under 16 is set to come into force next year.