Opening of Istanbul University to the public sparks backlash: First images from lecture halls emerge
The Istanbul University campus has been opened to the public. Following the controversial decision, the first images from inside the lecture halls have begun to circulate on social media. Students and many citizens have expressed their reaction to the decision.
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Istanbul University's gates have been opened to visitors.
While the decision has sparked backlash, Istanbul University Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar had stated that they defined it as a 'university without walls.'
In addition to the Beyazıt campus, which has become a symbol of the university, campuses located in Laleli, Horhor, Avcılar, Çapa, Şişli, Kadıköy, Bahçeköy, Bakırköy, and Büyükçekmece have also been opened to visitors.
The fact that these campuses are open to visitors on weekdays from 08:30 in the morning until 17:00 in the evening has caused security concerns among students.
Many students shared posts on social media under the hashtag #iümüzedegildir (it is not our university).
Furthermore, students protested the decision by unfurling banners on campus.