Doğu Perinçek, Chairman of the Vatan Party appeared as a guest on the Azerbaijani news channel BTV Xəbər (BTV News), where he commented on recent political developments in relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
Officials and some media outlets from the two countries have been at odds over some issues in recent weeks. During the interview, host Mais Ağayev questioned Perinçek about the disputes, covering a range of topics from Azerbaijan’s secular education policy and remarks from Turkish government officials on this policy, Baku’s position on Israel and Palestine at the United Nations and the future of the Organization of Turkic States.
“No one has the right to interfere in internal decisions”
Ağayev noted that criticism of Azerbaijan’s laic education policy by certain political circles in Türkiye has caused frustration in Baku. Asked “who was behind efforts to damage relations between the two countries”, Perinçek said: “Azerbaijan is an independent state. We are glad that Azerbaijan is a sovereign state. We are glad that Azerbaijan makes its own decisions. No one has the right to interfere in those decisions.”
Perinçek said that “imperialists” and “those with a medieval mindset” were seeking to undermine relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan: “They do not want Turks, Azerbaijanis, the Turkic states or other Asian countries to stand together and defend their independence. The brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan has disrupted US plans. That is why the US and the forces controlled by the US are trying to damage relations between the two countries.”
“No one knows him in Türkiye”
Ağayev then raised the controversy surrounding remarks about Azerbaijan made by Oktay Saral, a chief adviser to the Turkish president. Ağayev also referred to the ruling New Azerbaijan Party’s condemnation of the remarks as “interference in internal affairs.” Perinçek said Azerbaijan is entirely justified in its reaction: “Go out into the streets of Türkiye and ask people about the person you mentioned. Nobody knows who he is. So don’t think for a moment that he represents the state or a political party. That is simply not the case.”
He argued that Saral’s remarks did not reflect the position of the Turkish state or the Turkish people, pointing instead to statements made by former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım: “Mr. Binali Yıldırım, who served as Türkiye’s prime minister and is a prominent figure in the AK Party, has clearly stated that they do not find it right in interfering in Azerbaijan’s sovereignty or internal affairs in any way. Those are the statements we should give credence. And please give credence to my statements as Chairman of the Vatan Party which reflect the feelings and views of the Turkish people.”
Relations with Israel
The discussion also turned to Azerbaijan’s relations with Israel. Although Baku supports the establishment of a Palestinian state, its economic and political ties with Israel have drawn criticism from some circles in Türkiye. Specifically, Azerbaijan faced criticism after its representative remained in the hall during the Israeli prime minister’s speech at the latest United Nations General Assembly.
Perinçek defended Azerbaijan’s right to conduct its own foreign policy and maintain diplomatic relations with countries of its choosing: “Azerbaijan’s policy on Palestine is absolutely right. It supports the establishment of a Palestinian state. Azerbaijan is free to maintain relations with whichever countries it chooses. And it is for Azerbaijan itself to decide whether to walk out of the hall at the United Nations.”
Perinçek said that every country is free to pursue a foreign policy suited to its own geographical and strategic circumstances and “brotherly countries should respect each other’s decisions”.
Dress codes in schools: laicism and unity
Another issue during the TV program was the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers’ decision on dress codes in schools.
Ağayev pointed out that, contrary to claims made by some critics, the decision did not explicitly mention a “headscarf ban.” Instead, it introduced a standardized, laic dress code for both students and teachers, while leaving people free to dress as they wished outside school. Asked about the policy, Perinçek voiced his support and referred to Atatürk’s revolution:
“Of course, both students and teachers should wear secular clothing in schools. This is a principle that has been followed in Türkiye for many years, thanks to Atatürk’s Revolution, and even before that. Secularism is also part of our tradition. Azerbaijan has made its decision. It is pursuing a secular education policy, and I congratulate the Azerbaijani state and government on that decision.”
He stressed that laicism was an important principle rooted in Turkish history and the Kutadgu Bilig: “Laicism is extremely important for building a modern society based on equality, as well as for independent and free thinking.”
Perinçek said that a common dress code could help promote unity in schools by saying “It would not be right for students and teachers to be divided by differences in clothing”. He added that secularism was equally important in the police and the armed forces.
Lastly, Ağayev asked Perinçek about the future of the Organization of Turkic States, which includes both Türkiye and Azerbaijan. Perinçek described the organization’s development as a “historic turning point”:
“The Organization of Turkic States is a very positive development for the world and humanity. A new civilization is rising from Asia, which is Asian civilization, while Atlantic civilization is declining and collapsing. And within this rising Asian civilization, the Turkic states will play a leading role alongside China, Russia, Iran and India.”