Erdogan Doubles Down on Protests at Turkey’s Top University
- President announces two new faculties at Bogazici University
- Loyalist rector named in January, sparking ongoing protests
Police officers detain protestors during a rally in support of Bogazici University students protesting against the appointment of Melih Bulu in Istanbul on Feb. 4.
Photographer: Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is doubling down on protests against perceived political interference at the country’s top university, issuing a midnight order to open new faculties.
A presidential decree published in the early hours of Saturday announced the establishment of new faculties for law and communication at Bogazici University in Istanbul. Erdogan’s communications director, Fahrettin Altun, said the new faculties were part of the “quality-focused growth, development and internationalization” of Turkish higher education.