President Erdoğan Reversed the Closure Decision of Istanbul Bilgi University

The closure decision of Istanbul Bilgi University was canceled by President Erdoğan three days later. Protests by students and academics conti...

Scraper SystemMay 25, 2026, 06:30 PM

President Erdoğan Reversed the Closure Decision of Istanbul Bilgi University

The operating license of Istanbul Bilgi University was canceled by a decision published in the Official Gazette on May 22. The closure decision of the university was protested by students and academics at the Santralİstanbul campus. Students expressed their reactions against the locking of the campus gate and police interventions. The President of the Higher Education Council (YÖK), Erol Özvar, stated that the initial decision was a mandatory legal procedure, but later, based on reports submitted, President Erdoğan reversed the decision considering the expectations of students, families, and university staff. Thus, it was decided that Istanbul Bilgi University would continue its activities. The university administration stated that necessary measures have been taken to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of educational activities. Students and academics demand the resolution of uncertainties and the protection of an autonomous, scientific educational environment following the cancellation of the closure decision.