Erdogan Reverses Closure Decision Against Istanbul University

ANKARA: (Web Desk) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reversed his controversial decision to shut down Istanbul Bilgi University after widespread backlash from students, academics, and civil society groups.

The reversal was confirmed through a decree published in Turkey’s official gazette on Sunday, only days after the university had been ordered to close in the middle of the academic year.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of students and lecturers gathered outside the university’s main campus in Istanbul to protest the closure and demand the reopening of the institution. Demonstrators argued that the decision unfairly disrupted education and academic activities.

The initial closure order, issued on Friday, cited a legal provision allowing authorities to shut down private institutions if the quality of education is considered inadequate. However, students and faculty strongly rejected the accusation, insisting that the university meets academic standards.

PAF Chief Visit Turkey to Strengthen Defence and Drone Ties

Student union representative Emir Aydogan told protesters they would continue demonstrations until the university officially resumed operations and reopened its gates.

President Erdogan, who has led Turkey since 2003 first as prime minister and later as president, has frequently faced criticism from international rights organisations over policies they describe as increasingly authoritarian toward critics and opposition voices.