Erdoğan Cancels Closure of Istanbul Bilgi University

Erdoğan Cancels Decision to Close Bilgi University

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has signed a decree revoking the decision to close Istanbul Bilgi University (İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi). The official document was published in the Official Gazette of Turkey.

As a result, the university will continue its educational activities in normal mode, and students will be able to continue their studies without any disruptions or changes to their academic process.

Statement from the Council of Higher Education

The head of the Council of Higher Education of Turkey (YÖK), Erol Özvar, stated that the initial decision to close the university was a mandatory legal procedure. However, after reviewing new reports, the president reassessed the situation in order to avoid potential harm to students, their families, and university staff.

Why the University Was Going to Be Closed

Since September 2025, the university had been placed under state trustee administration. This occurred after the institution was taken under state control as part of an investigation into Can Holding.

On 22 May 2026, an official decision was issued to close the university.

However, on 25 May 2026, the authorities revoked this decision after a renewed review of the case.

What Happens Next

The Council of Higher Education emphasized that the priority remains the protection of students’ rights and the stability of the educational process.

After the decree was cancelled, Istanbul Bilgi University will continue its operations in normal mode, ensuring uninterrupted education for all students.

Update: The university remains fully operational, and no changes to academic programs are expected at this stage.