Erdogan Reverses Decision, Reopens Liberal Istanbul University After Protests

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rescinded his controversial decision to close Istanbul Bilgi University, a liberal private institution in the country. The reversal came via a decree published in the official gazette on Sunday, following widespread student and faculty protests.

The university, established in 1996, had its license revoked by presidential decree on Friday. The stated reason for the closure was that the founding foundation had come under forced administration. President Erdogan cited a law that permits the closure of private institutions if the "expected level of education and teaching is insufficient," a justification rejected by students and staff.

Protesters gathered outside the university's main campus on Sunday, vowing to remain until its doors reopened. Istanbul Bilgi University is one of Turkey's oldest private universities, acquired in 2019 by Can Holding, a major conglomerate. However, the holding company's assets were seized last year as part of an investigation into money laundering, tax evasion, and organized crime.

The university serves approximately 22,000 students, with around 3,400 new students enrolling in 2025. The initial closure sparked significant backlash, highlighting concerns about academic freedom and institutional autonomy in Turkey. Erdogan's U-turn suggests a response to the public pressure and the potential disruption caused by the shutdown.