The Turkish government had ordered the suspension on 22 May, citing provisions of higher education law, and appointed a state trustee to oversee the institution. However, the decision was reversed shortly afterwards, with a new decree published in the official gazette restoring the university’s status.
#SONDAKİKA - İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi'nin kapatılmasına dair karar iptal edildi. pic.twitter.com/cK1ohsEKpD
— Habertürk TV (@HaberturkTV) May 24, 2026
Student protests intensify
The move triggered protests at the university’s main Santral Istanbul campus, with students opposing both the closure and the appointment of a trustee.
Security measures were tightened on 24 May, with authorities restricting access to the campus. Clashes were reported between riot police and demonstrators, with some injuries and arrests. Despite this, students continued their protest, describing it as a fight for educational rights and university autonomy.
📍İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi
— Özgür Üniversite Hareketi (@ozguruniversit6) May 24, 2026
Öğretmenler Sendikası ablukanın biraz daha gerilememesi durumunda yolu kapatacaklarını söylediler.
Direne Direne Kazanacağız! pic.twitter.com/HXbTB04mHC
In a written statement, students said: “We will not abandon our campus,” calling their mobilisation a commitment rather than a slogan.
At one stage, access to food and supplies was also restricted, with those remaining on campus reporting limited access to basic provisions.
Background and concerns
Bilgi University, founded in 1996, hosts around 20,000 students and is considered one of Turkey’s more liberal academic institutions. It also participates in the Erasmus programme, attracting international students.
🚨 BİLGİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ’NDE DİRENİŞ SÜRÜYOR! Polis Saldırısı ve Gözaltılara Rağmen Öğrenciler Yılmadı
— Devrimci Proleter Gençlik (@komunarca) May 24, 2026
İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi, 22 Mayıs’ta Cumhurbaşkanlığı kararnamesiyle tek gecede kapatıldı. Santral İstanbul kampüsünde başlayan eylemler üçüncü gününde.
24 Mayıs Pazar günü… pic.twitter.com/GSHafMzXVw
The original suspension followed earlier legal action against the company managing the university, linked to allegations of financial misconduct. The decree cited legislation allowing the closure of private educational institutions if academic standards are deemed insufficient.
The reversal of the decision came after intervention by Turkey’s Council of Higher Education, effectively cancelling the earlier decree.
The episode highlights ongoing tensions between the government and academic institutions in Turkey, as well as the role of student mobilisation in shaping outcomes.
Source: protothema.gr
