24.05.2026 20:30
On the third day of the sit-in protest against the decision to revoke the operating license of Istanbul Bilgi University by a presidential decree, tensions escalated. Security forces used tear gas to intervene against a large crowd of students, academics, and alumni attempting to cross barricades at the entrance of SantralIstanbul Campus, where access had been banned. It was reported that there were injuries during violent clashes at the turnstile areas and that many protesters were detained.
On the third day of protests at Istanbul Bilgi University, whose activities have been suspended, police intervened. Security forces used pepper gas against crowds of students and alumni gathered in front of the SantralIstanbul Campus, and it was reported that there were numerous arrests and injuries during the incidents.
SANTRALISTANBUL CAMPUS UNDER SIEGE
Bilgi University students, alumni, and academics, who have been protesting for three days against the decision to close their university, gathered again today around the SantralIstanbul Campus. Tensions escalated in the protests, attended by thousands of people filling the streets around the campus since early morning, as security forces issued warnings for the crowd to disperse.
When the group continued their protest, riot police used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse the crowd. A major scuffle occurred around the campus during the intervention.
SLOGANS ROSE AROUND THE CAMPUS
Images reflected on social media and cameras showed thousands of people gathered on the street with "SantralIstanbul" and "Istanbul Bilgi University" signs, protesting the decision with whistles and slogans. Recordings taken from surrounding buildings and roads captured the crowd's density and the police's preparation for intervention moment by moment. It was learned that while participants recorded the events with their mobile phones, many students fainted under tear gas and were carried to the campus or safe areas with the help of those around them.
NUMEROUS ARRESTS AND INJURIES
Following the intervention, police teams began detaining scattered groups. According to initial assessments, many people, including student representatives and alumni, were handcuffed and taken into custody. Ambulances were dispatched to the campus for students affected by pepper spray as well as those injured during the scuffle.
Students and their families stated that they would continue to make their voices heard until the decision is reversed, expressing their demand for the university to continue its educational activities.
The tense wait at and around the campus continues.