The most intense and exciting controversy observed in Turkey's higher education system and social life in recent days has come to a peaceful end. The country's leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has decided to reverse his decision regarding a prestigious private Bilgi University in Istanbul, which was to be shut down, shortly after it was announced. This unexpected and historic step was taken following mass protests and the firm resolve of the institution's students and faculty.
Although the initial decree to terminate the university's operations was signed on May 21 of this year, just three days later, on May 24, a new document revoking this decision was published in the Turkish government's official gazette, Resmi Gazete newspaper.
Student determination and night rallies
As soon as the government's plan to close the university became public, thousands of students and intellectuals stood up to defend their rights. For several days, sit-ins and peaceful protests were held on campus. Notably, about a thousand people participated in the main rally on May 24. A group of brave students even barricaded themselves inside university buildings to protest, though they were later removed with police assistance.
In reality, official circles had attempted to justify the decision using Article 11 of the Higher Education Law (which regulates the activities of the Inter-University Council). This clause allows for the closure of a private higher education institution if the quality of education does not meet standards. The plan involved transferring students to the state-run Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and placing the institution's endowment under external management.
The root of the problem: The collapse of a financial empire
So, what was the situation really about? According to investigations by the BBC Turkish service, the efforts to close this modern university were not related to the educational process, but rather to scandals surrounding the major Can Holding corporation that financed it.
Since the autumn of 2025, investigations have been underway regarding fraud and tax evasion involving this holding company, which has been the university's main sponsor since 2019 and unites over 120 major companies. Although the companies within the holding have been placed under state control, the complete closure of the university was sharply criticized by the public as unjust.
About Bilgi University: Founded in 1996, this prestigious institution currently hosts over 20,000 students learning the secrets of the future. The university has 8 major faculties and prepares specialists in over 150 fields. Furthermore, the university is an active participant in the famous European Erasmus student exchange program.
This is not the first conflict in Turkey's history
It is worth noting that such decisions by official Ankara regarding the closure of universities have been seen before. Previously, in 2020, Istanbul Sehir University was liquidated by a similar presidential decree from Erdoğan, citing serious economic and financial difficulties faced by the institution.
In any case, the students of Bilgi University managed to save their institution. Classes will continue as usual in the new academic year!
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