Erdogan plans Baku visit as Turkey-Azerbaijan tensions strain ties

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on November 5 that he planned to visit Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 8 for Victory Day celebrations, as the two countries face a public strain over school dress rules and diplomatic friction. Erdogan said he hoped the trip would provide an opportunity to take “the necessary steps,” but did not specify what those steps would be, Reuters reported.

The celebrations mark Azerbaijan’s November 8, 2020 victory over Armenia. Erdogan was speaking to reporters on his return flight from South Korea. He described the countries’ relationship as extending beyond conventional diplomatic contacts and said he believed their ties could overcome obstacles, according to Reuters.

Azerbaijan school dress rules strain relations

Erdogan removed chief adviser Oktay Saral after Saral publicly criticized the Azerbaijani restrictions. Reuters also reported the adviser’s removal, describing it as a response to public criticism of the decision. Aliyev then skipped a recent summit of Turkic leaders despite Erdogan’s personal invitation, a further sign of strain between the allies.

Erdogan said telephone diplomacy was continuing between the countries, including contact between their spouses, Al-Monitor reported. The outlet also reported that two Islamist commentators who criticized the restrictions were detained for questioning in late October and later released.

Turkey and Azerbaijan are close regional allies, making the dispute a rare public crack in their relationship. Reuters reported that a deeper rupture could undermine Turkey’s ambitions to expand its influence in an area where Russia has traditionally held sway. Erdogan’s planned visit comes amid that tension; its stated purpose is to attend the celebrations, and he has framed it as a possible opportunity for further steps.