May 25, 2026, 11:45 a.mMay 25, 2026, 11:45 a.m
After protests, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reversed the closure of the renowned Bilgi University in Istanbul. A corresponding decree was published in the official gazette on Sunday evening. In doing so, he reversed a decision from Friday to close the university, which was considered liberal.
Erdogan reversed the closure of Bilgi University after protests.Image: keystone
Over the weekend, students and teachers demonstrated on campus against the closure. The police used tear gas and, according to media reports, there were also arrests. The decision to close on Friday came shortly before the end of the semester – students criticized the fact that some of them were not able to complete their studies.
The university’s website said the decision to continue operating was made to protect students’ right to education.
The university has been under state control since last year
Bilgi University, which also takes part in the Erasmus exchange program, was placed under state control in September last year. The background to this was, among other things, allegations of fraud and money laundering against Can Holding, to which the university previously belonged.
The student protests coincided with demonstrations against the removal of the head of the largest opposition party, CHP Özgür Özel. He was legally removed from office on Thursday. On Sunday, the police stormed the CHP party headquarters, where Özel had barricaded himself with his supporters. There were numerous demonstrations against the removal – including in the country’s three largest cities, Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. (hkl/sda/dpa)