Erdoğan Cancels Decision to Close Bilgi University

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has canceled the decree revoking the operating license of Istanbul Bilgi University. The new decision was published in the Official Gazette on May 25, 2026. The university will continue its operations.

The cancellation followed a request from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The head of the council, Erol Özvar, stated that the initial closure decision was a “mandatory legal procedure.” After reviewing new reports, the president changed the decision to prevent the violation of the rights of students and university staff.

Erdoğan signed the previous decree to close Bilgi University on May 21. It was based on a law allowing the closure of private universities when a trustee is appointed to their founding fund. The state took over the university’s administration due to a money laundering case against Can Holding.

Following the closure decision, students launched protests. They demanded the preservation of the university, which is known for its independent academic environment and for hosting Turkey’s first officially registered student LGBT club. The demonstrations and public pressure helped prevent the closure of the educational institution.