Azerbaijani Teacher Tarana Kazimova Reportedly Resigns After 21 Years in Protest Against Hijab Restrictions in Schools
Baku, Azerbaijan | October 17, 2026 | The Global Journal
Azerbaijani schoolteacher Tarana Kazimova has reportedly resigned after 21 years in the profession amid controversy over new dress code regulations concerning the wearing of hijabs in public schools. According to claims circulating in various sources, she made the decision after refusing to comply with the new restrictions on wearing the hijab. However, her resignation has not been independently confirmed.
Following revisions to dress code regulations in the country’s public educational institutions, allegations have emerged that female students wearing hijabs have been prevented from entering schools. There have also been reports that teachers wearing headscarves were asked to change their attire or faced pressure to leave their jobs. These developments have sparked renewed debate over religious freedom, the right to education and the secular character of the state education system.
An End to 21 Years of Teaching
According to the information available, Tarana Kazimova, who reportedly spent 21 years teaching, decided to resign because she was unwilling to comply with the new hijab-related restrictions. Her reported case has raised questions about the professional challenges that female teachers who wear hijabs may face under the new dress code.
However, her workplace, the exact date of her resignation and the response of the relevant school authorities could not be independently verified. Further reliable information is needed to establish the full circumstances of the case.
Controversy Surrounding the September 21 Amendment
On September 21, 2026, Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments to public school dress code regulations for students. The revised rules prohibit clothing and accessories that are incompatible with the prescribed school uniform or conflict with the secular principles of general education.
Importantly, the amended regulations do not explicitly mention the word “hijab.” However, controversy has arisen over how the provisions concerning secularism and incompatible attire are being interpreted and enforced. Various reports allege that some schools have prevented female students wearing hijabs from entering their premises.
New Dress Code Rules for Teachers
Following the revision of student dress code regulations, separate rules concerning the attire of public school teachers were reportedly approved on October 6, 2026. These rules require teachers’ clothing to be consistent with the secular nature of education.
Reports citing teachers from several schools in Baku and Sumgayit allege that female teachers wearing headscarves were told to remove them or resign. However, official responses from education authorities have not been available in every reported case.
Religious Freedom Versus a Secular Education System
The controversy over the new dress code centres on two competing concerns: maintaining the secular character of public educational institutions and protecting the religious freedom of students and teachers.
Critics argue that preventing students from entering classrooms because they wear hijabs could undermine their right to education. Similarly, placing teachers’ employment at risk because of their religious attire raises questions about personal freedom and equal treatment in the workplace.
Azerbaijani authorities, on the other hand, maintain that public educational institutions should follow prescribed dress codes and uphold the principles of secular education. Debate continues over how the rules should be interpreted and implemented in practice.
Protests and Public Reaction
Following the enforcement of the dress code, reports have emerged of protests, student boycotts and criticism from parents in various parts of Azerbaijan. Allegations that female students wearing hijabs have been denied entry to schools have also attracted attention on social media.
If confirmed, Kazimova’s reported resignation would highlight another dimension of the controversy: restrictions concerning religious attire may affect not only students but also the professional lives of teachers.
Overall, the debate over dress code regulations in Azerbaijan’s public schools has raised questions about balancing religious freedom, the right to education and the secular principles of state education. Although Tarana Kazimova’s reported resignation has not been independently confirmed, concerns over the implementation of the regulations affecting students and teachers who wear hijabs have been reported by various media outlets.
The Global Journal -Editorial Note: Tarana Kazimova’s resignation has not been independently verified. Before publication, the information should be checked against her resignation letter, a statement from the relevant school or another reliable source.
