The usually strong relationship between Turkiye and Azerbaijan is facing challenges stemming from Baku’s restrictions on headscarves in schools and differing stances on Israel. A dispute arose after President Erdogan’s chief advisor, Oktay Saral, publicly criticized Azerbaijan’s uniform regulations, defending the right to wear headscarves as a matter of faith. The Yeni Azerbaijan Party (YAP) responded with a strong rebuke, accusing Saral and AKP MPs of spreading disinformation and engaging in “populist and irresponsible statements.” This confrontation reveals underlying differences between Azerbaijan’s secular principles and the views of Ankara. The tensions are further fueled by Azerbaijan’s growing ties with Israel, particularly regarding arms supplies during the 2020 Karabakh war, while Turkiye maintains a critical stance towards Israel, accusing them of genocide in Gaza and hosting Hamas leaders. The traditionally close bond, symbolized by the slogan "One nation, two states," is now demonstrably strained. The situation signals a potential shift in regional dynamics and the future of Turkiye-Azerbaijan cooperation.