In Azerbaijan, the government had banned 'additional clothing items that disrupt the uniformity of school uniforms and are incompatible with the principle of secularism in education' within the framework of new rules covering primary, secondary, and high schools. Following the ban in question, students and teachers wearing headscarves were not allowed into schools.
Upon this, Presidential Chief Advisor Oktay Saral stated in a social media post on October 13, "It is unacceptable to prevent headscarved students from exercising their right to education in Azerbaijan! Such a mindset should never be allowed in this era!"
According to a report by Middle East Eye, three officials and a source with knowledge of the matter claimed that Azerbaijan had requested Saral's removal from his post in response.
DISMISSED FROM POST
Following all these developments, Presidential Chief Advisor Oktay Saral has been dismissed from his post.
Journalist Fuat Uğur, known for his proximity to the government, brought up the claim. Uğur wrote the following:
"I heard that dear Oktay Saral has been dismissed.
He is one of the presidential advisors I sympathize with.
I am very saddened.
Undoubtedly, interstate interests and relations should be evaluated away from the context of individuals, but one of the parties to these relations should not have personalized the issues.
If it is being tried because he is someone from within the state, then after reading that commentary on Turkey published by the Azerbaijan State Agency, it is also Turkey's right to request the dismissal of the person at the head of that agency."
"I LEFT UPON HIS OWN INSTRUCTION, I HOLD NO GRUDGE AGAINST ANYONE"
On the other hand, journalist Talat Atilla stated that he called Saral and relayed their conversation:
"I called Presidential Chief Advisor Mr. Oktay Saral.
I asked, 'Have you been dismissed?'
He said, 'Yes. We do not exist by our positions. Our President appointed me to the post, and I left upon his instruction. I hold no grudge against anyone.'
I asked, 'Is it because of your statements regarding Azerbaijan?'
He replied, 'Yes, that is how it appears.'
He then used the following expressions:
'What is important is the Republic of Turkey. What is important is the success of our President.'"
SPECIAL- REMARKABLE STATEMENT FROM OKTAY SARAL: “IT APPEARS I LEFT MY POST DUE TO MY REMARKS ON AZERBAIJAN” I called Presidential Chief Advisor Mr. Oktay Saral. I asked, “Have you been dismissed?” He said, “Yes. We do not exist by our positions. Our President appointed me to the post, and I left upon his instruction. I hold no grudge against anyone.” I asked, “Is it because of your statements regarding Azerbaijan?” He replied, “Yes, that is how it appears.” He then used the following expressions: “What is important is the Republic of Turkey. What is important is the success of our President.”
— Talat Atilla (@TalatAtilla) October 25, 2026
News Source: 12punto
