Erdogan Closes Liberal Istanbul University Mid-Academic Year

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Turkey's academic community, the government has abruptly shut down Istanbul Bilgi University, a prominent institution with over 20,000 students. The decree, published in the official gazette, cites a failure to meet expected educational standards as justification for the immediate closure. However, this official reason is met with fierce resistance from academics and observers who view the decision as politically motivated and a severe blow to academic freedom.

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The institution, founded with 30 years of effort, was effectively shut down overnight.

Bilgi University, known for its liberal policies and active participation in the Erasmus program, has been a hub for both Turkish and international students for three decades. Its closure, particularly at the mid-point of the academic year, raises serious concerns about the future of its students. While the Higher Education Council (YOK) has pledged to ensure students are not harmed, details regarding their transfer to other institutions or how they will complete their studies remain vague, leaving many in a state of uncertainty.

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The constitution is clear – universities are established by law and can also be closed only by law. But who cares?

Academics like law professor Yaman Akdeniz have voiced strong condemnation, labeling the closure an act of "arbitrariness" and a violation of the constitution, which stipulates that universities can only be closed by law. The university had been under the administration of a court-appointed trustee since last year due to its parent company's involvement in money laundering and tax fraud allegations. However, critics argue that this administrative issue does not justify the sweeping closure of the entire institution, especially given its long-standing reputation and contributions to higher education in Turkey. This decision, from the perspective of many within Turkey, reflects a concerning trend of state intervention in academic affairs, stifling dissent and undermining the autonomy of educational institutions.

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In an era where there is no justice or fair court processes, it seems that another agenda item was to close an entire university… We will never remain silent in the face of this arbitrariness.