Rector of the closed Bilgi University speaks out

Following the publication of the decision to revoke the operating license of Istanbul Bilgi University in the Official Gazette, university students expressed their reactions at the Santral Campus. During the protest, Rector Prof. Dr. Ege Yazgan joined the crowd, listened to the students' concerns, and made his first public statement.

In his speech, Yazgan used the phrase, "We are also saddened," and added: "We are working to ensure your rights are protected. The President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) is also prioritizing this issue. We promise that we will work to keep Bilgi University alive."

Approximately 20 thousand students were enrolled at Bilgi University, which opened its doors in 1996. The number of graduates has exceeded 70 thousand, and more than a thousand people were employed in the academic and administrative staff. A trustee had previously been appointed to the foundation to which the university is affiliated. Finally, within the framework of the decision published in the Official Gazette dated May 22, 2026, with the signature of President Erdoğan, Bilgi University's operating license was revoked and the institution was closed.

Following this sudden decision, which was conveyed to the students, the young people gathered on campus expressed their concerns about the future of their education. In a statement made by the administration, it was conveyed that negotiations with authorized institutions would continue to prevent the loss of rights.

The promises made by Rector Yazgan to the students both partially softened the tense atmosphere on campus and aimed to provide hope during this period of ongoing uncertainty. How the process will proceed and how the situation of the students and academic staff will take shape will become clear in the coming days.

News Source: 12punto