Turkish Presidential Chief Adviser Oktay Saral has resigned from his position after criticising what he described as a headscarf ban in Azerbaijan, which sparked controversy between Ankara and Baku.

Saral’s remarks came after discussions over restrictions affecting headscarf-wearing students in Azerbaijani educational institutions. His criticism of the measures led to debate in Türkiye and reports that his position was linked to the dispute.

Saral, who had served as a Presidential Chief Adviser since 2016, announced on Monday that he had submitted his resignation, saying that positions and titles were temporary while commitment to values was more important.

Saral criticised Azerbaijan’s headscarf restrictions

In a statement shared on social media, Saral said preventing headscarf-wearing students from receiving education was unacceptable.

“A student who covers her head because of her belief being left at the school gate — which conscience and justice can accept this?” Saral said.

He argued that the headscarf was not an obstacle to education but a matter of religious belief, stressing that education rights should not be limited by ideological pressure.

“Azerbaijan should turn away from this mistake as soon as possible,” Saral said, calling for protecting young people’s future rather than creating barriers to their education.

The remarks triggered reactions amid a broader debate over school clothing regulations in Azerbaijan. Some reports said the issue contributed to tensions between the two countries.

Saral announces resignation

Announcing his decision on social media, Saral said:

“Positions come and go, and titles change hands. What matters is not the position a person holds, but the values they stand behind.”

He said his resignation did not represent a retreat from his principles or his commitment to public service.

“Yesterday, today and tomorrow, I will continue walking alongside our President with the same faith and determination,” Saral said.

Saral also said that people should not seek strength from positions but should remain firm in defending their beliefs.

Dispute over departure from post

Following reports about Saral’s departure, claims emerged that his resignation was connected to his statements about Azerbaijan.

In earlier remarks to media, Saral said that decisions could be taken due to Türkiye’s critical relations with Azerbaijan and that he accepted the situation. Some reports stated that Saral believed his departure was related to his comments on the issue.

The Turkish Presidency has not released a detailed official explanation regarding the reasons behind Saral’s resignation.

The development came amid wider discussions over Azerbaijan’s school clothing regulations and the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, which are traditionally described by both sides as a close partnership.(ILKHA)