President Erdoğan Reverses Decree on Bilgi University Following Student Sit-Ins and Detentions
The operational status of İstanbul Bilgi University underwent rapid changes over a single week due to a presidential shutdown tied to a major fraud and money laundering case involving its parent foundation. A decree initially signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan revoked the operating license of the private liberal university, prompting students and faculty to stage a sit-in protest and refuse to leave the Santral İstanbul Campus.
University Rector Ege Yazgan attempted to mediate, but the situation escalated when police intervened, detaining several protesting students. On Monday, following public backlash and continued sit-ins, President Erdoğan signed a new decree repealing the initial closure order and reinstating the university's operating license.
Sources:
Bianet: Several detained at İstanbul Bilgi University as students protest closure
Türkiye Today: Istanbul Bilgi University reopens after presidential shutdown linked to fraud case
The Times of Israel: Turkish president scraps move to close liberal university in Istanbul
