Campus entry banned at Boğaziçi University due to 'dormitory opening': Claims that President Erdoğan will visit

Boğaziçi University, under the administration of appointed rector Naci İnci, has moved classes online and banned entry to the campus due to the "Men's and Women's Dormitories Opening Ceremony" to be held at the South Campus on February 13. While it is alleged that President Erdoğan will visit the university on the same day, barricades have been set up at the university entrance.

CAMPUS ENTRY BANNED

In an announcement to academic/administrative staff and students, it was stated that only personnel assigned to the event and students residing in the women's dormitory would be allowed to enter the campus, and that no other individuals or vehicles would be granted entry. The announcement stated that classes scheduled to take place on the South Campus would be held online.

The text sent by the administration is as follows:

"Dear Academic and Administrative Staff, Dear Students;

Due to the Boğaziçi University Men's and Women's Dormitories Opening Ceremony to be held at our university, the work schedule for our academic and administrative staff at our South Campus will be implemented online (remotely) on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Classes scheduled to be held on the South Campus on the same date will also continue online (remotely).

On February 13, 2026, only personnel assigned to the event and our students residing in the women's dormitory will be able to enter the South Campus. No other individuals or vehicles will be granted entry to the campus.

All necessary planning has been made to ensure that educational and administrative activities are not disrupted, and our units will continue their work without interruption via digital platforms.

We submit this for your information and thank you for your understanding."

ALLEGATIONS OF ERDOĞAN'S VISIT

On the other hand, it was claimed that AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan is expected to visit the school on the same date, and that preparations are being made under the title of a "Vision Meeting." As part of the preparations, it was alleged that businesses within the campus would be closed, employee lists would be requested from businesses in Hisarüstü for security checks, shuttle services would be suspended, and power outages would be carried out in Hisarüstü between 09:00 and 18:00 today and tomorrow. Additionally, it was observed that police barricades were set up in front of the South Campus overnight.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following objections to the relocation of club rooms in Hamlin Hall on the South Campus to the Hisar Campus, entry to the campus was restricted on the night of February 6, and riot police and water cannon vehicles (TOMA) were deployed in front of the university. At the same time, the South Gate was closed, and the evacuation of the club rooms began.

Following these developments, students have been continuing their protests on the South Campus since Monday, while a large number of plainclothes police, riot police, detention vehicles, and water cannons were seen gathered around the school and inside the campus. Students continue to express their reactions both to the disruption of the normal flow of campus life and to the obstruction of their democratic rights.

News Source: 12punto