03.07.2026 06:30
The footage recorded at Boğaziçi University's graduation ceremony caused a great uproar. When a student graduating from the Philosophy Department refused to have a photo taken, and the academic did not agree to hand over the diploma, tensions escalated instantly.
The graduation ceremony held at Boğaziçi University, one of Turkey's most established educational institutions, witnessed an interesting protest. Tension suddenly escalated in the hall when a student who graduated with honors from the Philosophy department stepped onto the stage.
In the footage captured by attendees' mobile phone cameras, the student in their gown is seen making a 'rejection/stop' hand gesture towards the academician waiting to hand over the diploma. Continuing the protest through body language, the graduate refused to strike the traditional graduation pose while receiving the diploma, turning their back to the academician.
ACADEMICIAN WAS RELUCTANT TO RELEASE THE DIPLOMA
The academician, taken aback by the student's defiant attitude, hesitated for a moment to release the diploma file. In those brief moments watched by millions on stage, a tense verbal exchange between the two was captured by cameras. The student then grabbed the diploma from the academician's hand, waved to the audience, and left the stage.
TENSE MOMENTS IN THE HALL
The hall's reaction to the tense minutes on stage was immediate. During the student's protest, some attendees were heard applauding in support, while a loud chorus of booing also rose from the audience.
At Boğaziçi University, which has seen various protests over administrative changes, rector appointments, and academic staff disputes for a long time, the students' carrying of their reactions into the graduation ceremony was interpreted as a sign that the chilly winds on campus have not yet subsided.