Riot police at Boğaziçi University ahead of Erdoğan's visit

As it was announced that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan would attend the Opening Ceremony of the Boğaziçi University Men's and Women's Dormitories, the area surrounding the campus was effectively besieged due to security measures. Before Erdoğan's visit, police set up barricades at the university entrance and deployed riot police teams onto the campus.

SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED

Within the framework of security preparations for Erdoğan's visit, only personnel assigned to the event and students residing in the women's dormitory were allowed into Boğaziçi University. Other students and vehicles were not permitted to enter the campus. While body and bag searches were conducted at the school, security measures were extremely strict. For security reasons, students were asked to temporarily vacate their rooms for security checks.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

The Boğaziçi University administration announced that classes and academic work on the South Campus would continue online on Friday, February 13, 2026. The campus will be open only to personnel assigned to the event for the opening ceremony and students residing in the women's dormitory. Access to the campus was restricted and kept under control for security reasons.

INTERNET OUTAGE AND USE OF JAMMERS

According to information shared by Boğaziçi TV, it was stated that the internet connection at the university has been cut off for students for some time. It was reported that jammers were placed on campus for security reasons, causing interruptions in the internet connection. Additionally, it was learned that body and bag searches were also conducted at the M6 metro exit providing access to the university.

STUDENTS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE

Students at Boğaziçi University are expected to gather at the North Campus at 13:30 to hold a press conference. The students will express their reactions to the university administration's security measures and the pressure on the campus.

STATEMENT FROM BOĞAZİÇİ ACADEMICS

Boğaziçi Academics published a written press statement on February 12, 2026, criticizing the university administration's decision. The statement noted that the South Campus would be completely closed on Friday, February 13, and that this situation would pose an obstacle for students, academics, and administrative staff. The academics stated that this situation is an indicator of the oppressive administration of appointed rector Naci İnci over the university.

On the other hand, the increase in security checks at Boğaziçi University was met with reaction from academics and students. Stating that academic freedoms are being restricted, faculty members emphasized that the university should offer a free, participatory, and creative living space with all its might.

THERE ARE DETENTIONS

While students stated that they were searched three times before reaching the North Campus, it was learned that at least 3 people were detained in front of the North entrance gate, with the banner they were carrying cited as the reason.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY?

Before the event at Boğaziçi University, it was announced in a notification sent to students by the Thedorus Hall Dormitory Directorate that security checks would be carried out in the morning hours. Students were subjected to security checks by temporarily vacating their rooms between 08:00 and 10:00 in the morning.

News Source: 12punto