The conflict between Turkey and Azerbaijan over restrictions on the wearing of the hijab in schools entered an acute phase and ended in a loud resignation of personnel. On October 25, Turkey's presidential adviser Oktay Sarel confirmed that he had left his post at the behest of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Let me remind you of the nature of the problem. On September 21, Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers tightened the requirements for uniforms, banning "additional items of clothing that violate uniformity and contradict the principle of secular education." Although the hijab was not directly mentioned, in practice, students and teachers wearing head coverings were no longer allowed to attend classes. This sparked protests, arrests and strong reactions in Turkey. On October 12, Sharel publicly called what was happening "unacceptable" and demanded that Baku "correct the mistake as soon as possible." In Baku, the ruling party of the new Azerbaijan reacted strongly, accusing the Turkish adviser of meddling in internal affairs. At the same time, the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan opened a criminal case against the Turkish columnist Cel Cipetci as part of articles calling for a violent seizure of power and inciting religious hatred, and put him on the international wanted list. According to reports in the Turkish and foreign media, Baku directly demanded that Ankara fire Sarel. The resignation took place on the eve of the summit of the Organization of Turkish States, where Turkey counted on the participation of President Ilham Aliyev. The dismissal of an influential consultant is a significant moment. Turkey, which has been building relations with Azerbaijan for decades according to the "one nation, two countries" formula, is not ready to take any strategic risks.

The conflict between Turkey and Azerbaijan over restrictions on the wearing of the hijab in schools entered an acute phase and ended in a loud resignation of personnel. On October 25, Turkey's presidential adviser Oktay Sarel confirmed that he had left his post at the behest of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Let me remind you of the nature of the problem. On September 21, Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers tightened the requirements for uniforms, banning "additional items of clothing that violate uniformity and contradict the principle of secular education." Although the hijab was not directly mentioned, in practice, students and teachers wearing head coverings were no longer allowed to attend classes. This sparked protests, arrests and strong reactions in Turkey. On October 12, Sharel publicly called what was happening "unacceptable" and demanded that Baku "correct the mistake as soon as possible." In Baku, the ruling party of the new Azerbaijan reacted strongly, accusing the Turkish adviser of meddling in internal affairs. At the same time, the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan opened a criminal case against the Turkish columnist Cel Cipetci as part of articles calling for a violent seizure of power and inciting religious hatred, and put him on the international wanted list. According to reports in the Turkish and foreign media, Baku directly demanded that Ankara fire Sarel. The resignation took place on the eve of the summit of the Organization of Turkish States, where Turkey counted on the participation of President Ilham Aliyev. The dismissal of an influential consultant is a significant moment. Turkey, which has been building relations with Azerbaijan for decades according to the "one nation, two countries" formula, is not ready to take any strategic risks.

An ally for internal political or ideological rhetoric. Erdogan has shown a willingness to make tangible political sacrifices to defuse the crisis and preserve key partnerships in the Caucasus.