Student communities at Dicle University in southeastern Türkiye have condemned reported restrictions on the Islamic headscarf in Azerbaijan, expressing solidarity with Muslim women reportedly being denied access to education and other opportunities because of their religious dress.

The students held a press conference on campus to protest the restrictions and draw attention to the situation of headscarved women in Azerbaijan, with participants describing the reported practices as a violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights.

The statement was read by Hüseyin Oğuz, a third-year student at Dicle University's Faculty of Theology, on behalf of the university's student clubs.

Oğuz said the students were following with concern reports of prohibitive and restrictive measures targeting the headscarf in Azerbaijan, stressing that freedom of belief is among the most fundamental rights of every human being.

He emphasised that individuals must be free to practise their religion, fulfil their religious obligations and express their identities without facing discrimination or pressure from authorities.

Oğuz said the headscarf was not simply a clothing preference for millions of Muslim women, but an expression of faith, identity, modesty and personal conviction.

“Forcing women who wear the headscarf to choose between their faith and their rights to education, work and participation in social life is unacceptable,” he said.

He condemned discrimination against women because of their religious beliefs and clothing, arguing that restricting access to education or employment on such grounds violates fundamental rights and freedoms.

“No one should be marginalised because of their religious belief, identity or clothing; no woman should be forced to give up her rights for fulfilling the requirements of her faith,” he said.

Oğuz stressed that genuine respect for human rights requires protecting the freedoms of people with different beliefs and lifestyles, rather than defending only those whose views are similar to one's own.

He warned that restricting freedom of belief and forcing people to conceal their religious identities undermine social harmony and the culture of coexistence.

“The headscarf is not a reason for discrimination; it is part of freedom of belief,” he said, adding that Muslim women have the natural right to pursue education, build careers and participate in public life while observing their religious commitments.

He also rejected attempts to create an artificial conflict between the right to education and freedom of religion, saying the two rights must be guaranteed together.

Calling on the relevant Azerbaijani authorities to address public concerns, Oğuz urged them to clarify the reported restrictions and reconsider regulations that could undermine fundamental rights and freedoms.

He said protecting religious freedom would not only safeguard individual rights but also strengthen social peace and bonds of brotherhood among peoples.

Expressing solidarity with Muslim women in Azerbaijan, the students said their objection was directed not against the Azerbaijani people or society, but against practices that restrict fundamental freedoms and discriminate against individuals because of their faith.

Concluding the statement, Oğuz reaffirmed the student communities' commitment to defending religious freedom, human dignity and justice.

“We do not accept the restrictions on the freedom of belief of our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters! The headscarf cannot be banned, freedom of belief cannot be obstructed! Respect for faith is respect for the human being! Freedom for everyone, justice for everyone, human dignity for everyone!” he said. (ILKHA)