2026-10-30 20:54:47Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Tensions between the two strategic partners are rising: Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, did not attend a regional summit held in Turkey, fueling speculation of a growing rift between Baku and Ankara.

Azerbaijan was represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. Azerbaijani media attributed Aliyev's absence to previous commitments, but some assessments suggest that relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan, once particularly close allies, are no longer as warm as they once were, Ynet writes.

Turkey and Azerbaijan have long enjoyed close relations and deep cultural ties. However, tensions have recently emerged following criticism in Turkey of a ban on the hijab in Azerbaijani schools, as well as Baku's traditionally warm relations with Israel.

The Associated Press reported that, in an attempt to defuse tensions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a conversation with Aliyev and personally invited him to the summit. Turkish media also reported that Erdogan fired one of his advisers, whom Azerbaijan considered an anti-Azerbaijani figure within the Turkish president's office. Despite these efforts, Aliyev had other commitments and did not attend the meeting.

In Azerbaijan, commentators say there has been a recent campaign against their country in Turkish media. “For Azerbaijanis, this hostility is particularly painful because it comes from a country that is considered a close ally,” said Farman Aydin, an analyst who writes for pro-government media in Baku.

Aydin added that Aliyev's decision not to attend the regional summit in Turkey "could also be interpreted as a diplomatic signal that even the closest partnerships require mutual respect."

Following the Azerbaijani government's decision to ban the wearing of the hijab in schools, small protests took place in front of Azerbaijani diplomatic missions in Turkey. Azerbaijan subsequently banned 30 Turkish citizens from entering the country.

Speaking on Friday at a regional summit of countries that share Turkic languages ​​and cultures, Erdogan declared: "There can be no division between countries that speak Turkic languages."

He added: "In the 'family portrait' of the Turkic world there is no place for division, disagreement or conflict. We are one, we are together. With God's help, we are brothers from eternity to eternity."


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