Students protest 'appointed rector' at Bilgi University graduation, forcing him off stage

Graduation ceremonies at Istanbul Bilgi University were disrupted by students protesting the appointment of the rector, whom they referred to as a "kayyım rektör" (appointed/trustee rector). As Prof. Dr. M. Ege Yazgan took the stage to deliver his opening speech, students from the Faculties of Social and Human Sciences and Communication turned their backs to him in a silent protest.

The demonstration, which has become increasingly common in Turkey to criticize recent university appointment decisions, saw students standing and presenting their backs to the stage. This act of defiance was met with support from families and other attendees in the audience, who applauded the students. The sounds of whistling, booing, and applause filled the venue, making the rector's speech inaudible.

Faced with the continuous and widespread nature of the protest, Rector Yazgan was compelled to cut his speech short and leave the stage. Following his departure, the students continued their protest with applause for a while before the ceremony proceeded with the diploma presentations. The protest highlights ongoing tensions regarding academic freedom and the appointment of university leadership in Turkey.