Protest against rector at METU graduation

Middle East Technical University (METU) Rector Ahmet Yozgatlıgil was booed throughout his speech at the METU Graduation Ceremony.

Students chanted slogans such as "Yozgatlıgil cannot be the rector of METU" and "Trustees will go, we will remain."

During Yozgatlıgil's speech, students whistled continuously and later booed him.

DIPLOMA BANNERS DREW ATTENTION

The METU 2024-2025 academic year graduation ceremony was held at the Devrim Stadium. The ceremony, where thousands of students were to receive their diplomas, began with a cortege march where students carried banners. Those filling the stadium applauded for minutes as students carrying a giant Turkish flag passed by.

Students, who expressed the connection of their departments to the social and political agenda with creative slogans, also made references in their banners and signs this year to Ekrem İmamoğlu's cancelled diploma and the protests that began with the March 19 operation.

Banners such as "A diploma cannot be created from nothing, nor can it be uncreated," "If they say you don't have a diploma, you are the witnesses," "You're seething, aren't you, because we have diplomas," "Diploma.pdf could not be deleted," "We didn't commit a crime, but apparently a diploma is enough!," and "I think, therefore I am in Silivri" drew attention, while a banner featuring photos of the 12 fallen soldiers bore the inscription, "The land you walk on will remember your name more than the people you gave your life for."

It was notable that students mostly carried signs and banners referencing the cancelled diploma of CHP presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu and the protests during the March 19 process, as well as photographs of Atatürk.