Day: October 23, 2026

Is Azerbaijan turning away from Turkey? Long described as “one nation, two states”, the two countries share deep cultural ties and a powerful strategic alliance. But disagreements over religious freedom and relations with Israel are exposing important differences between Ankara and Baku.

In this video, I examine tensions around Azerbaijan’s school dress regulations, criticism from figures in Turkey’s governing AKP, and Baku’s defence of its secular identity. I also explore why Azerbaijan’s close partnership with Israel has become a source of friction with Erdoğan’s Turkey. Behind these disputes lies a broader question: how far can shared identity hold an alliance together when national interests diverge? From energy routes and defence cooperation to relations with Iran and Armenia, both countries have powerful reasons to preserve their partnership. But Azerbaijan also expects its sovereignty and independent foreign policy to be respected.

So, is this a passing quarrel? Or is it a more lasting test of the Turkish-Azerbaijani alliance?

*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:28 Identity Bonds vs National Interests
01:15 Azerbaijan’s Regional Position
02:50 The Making of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Alliance
04:55 The Headscarf Dispute
05:58 Secularism and Political Identity
06:52 Turkey, Azerbaijan and the Israel Question
08:10 Is the Turkey-Azerbaijan Alliance in Danger?
09:50 Why Cooperation Endures

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