Erdogan heads to Baku as school rules strain Turkish ties
The Turkish president will attend Victory Day ceremonies Sunday despite diplomatic friction over a headscarf ban.
By Olivia Miller ·
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will travel to Azerbaijan on Sunday, 8 November, to join Victory Day celebrations. The visit occurs while the two nations manage a dispute over school dress codes that has caused public friction. Erdogan announced the trip to reporters on Thursday. He stated that Turkey and Azerbaijan maintain a close relationship despite the recent disagreements.
The tension began in September when Azerbaijan barred students and teachers wearing headscarves from primary and high schools. The rule triggered protests and strong criticism on Turkish social media. Some Turkish officials voiced objections to the ban. This public backlash created friction between Ankara and Baku.
Azerbaijan asked Turkey to dismiss a presidential adviser and prosecute commentators who insulted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Baku also requested restrictions on social media accounts that criticized the government. Erdogan removed the adviser and legal action followed against the commentators. These steps aimed to repair relations and encourage Aliyev to attend the Turkic States Summit last week. Aliyev did not attend.
Erdogan noted on Thursday that his phone calls with Aliyev and the recent visits by the Turkish intelligence chief and foreign minister are now public knowledge. He said contact continues between the presidents and their spouses as part of diplomatic efforts. He described the two nations as sharing an "unbreakable bond" based on history and culture.
Government-aligned outlets in Azerbaijan continue to publish criticism of Ankara. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Baku last month, but the reception was cool. Aliyev's absence from the recent summit suggested Azerbaijan remains upset by Turkish criticism. Turkish officials call the episode a misunderstanding. Azerbaijani sources argue that Turkey treats their country like a province.
The dispute affects other diplomatic plans. Ankara wants Aliyev to attend the Cop31 climate summit in Antalya later this month. Baku has not yet confirmed whether he will go.
