A government-mandated school uniform policy, which effectively bans the Islamic veil in educational institutions under the pretext of secularism, has sparked significant unrest in Azerbaijan. The decision has led to clashes between demonstrators and police in Baku and its surrounding areas, resulting in property damage and numerous arrests. The tension escalated further after video footage emerged showing schoolgirls being denied access to their classrooms. The controversy has reached beyond national borders, drawing indirect criticism from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and prompting protests outside the Azerbaijani consulate in Istanbul. Despite the backlash, President Ilham Aliev has issued a stern warning against external interference, insisting that other nations should not meddle in Azerbaijan's internal affairs or its chosen way of life.