Boğaziçi Protests: A Stand for Academic Freedom and Against Political Interference

The Boğaziçi Protests, which erupted in early 2021 at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey, marked a significant turning point in the country’s ongoing debate about academic freedom, political interference in higher education, and the role of civil society. Triggered by the appointment of Melih Bulu, a pro-government figure with limited academic credentials, as rector of the prestigious institution, the protests quickly gained momentum, drawing widespread support from students, faculty, and concerned citizens across Turkey and beyond.

At the heart of the Boğaziçi Protests lay a profound concern about the erosion of academic autonomy and the politicization of universities. Critics argued that Bulu’s appointment, bypassing established procedures and academic norms, represented an attempt by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to exert greater control over institutions of higher learning. This perception was fueled by a series of actions taken by the AKP government in recent years, including the dismissal of thousands of academics and the closure of critical media outlets, all indicative of a shrinking space for dissenting voices.

The protests unfolded over several months, marked by peaceful demonstrations, sit-ins, and art installations on campus. Participants demanded Bulu’s resignation, the reinstatement of the previous rector selection process, and guarantees for academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The government responded with increasing hostility, deploying riot police to disperse gatherings, detaining hundreds of protesters, and labeling them as “terrorists.”

The Boğaziçi Protests exposed deep fissures within Turkish society regarding the role of universities in a democratic context. Supporters of the protests emphasized the importance of safeguarding academic freedom, independent thinking, and open discourse as essential pillars of a thriving democracy. They argued that allowing political interference to undermine these values would have far-reaching consequences for the intellectual life of the country.

Conversely, government supporters defended Bulu’s appointment, framing it as necessary to address perceived inefficiencies and ideological biases within universities. They accused protesters of being pawns of foreign powers seeking to destabilize Turkey.

While the Boğaziçi Protests ultimately failed to achieve their immediate goals – Bulu remained rector until his term ended in 2023 – they served a crucial purpose: raising awareness about the threats facing academic freedom and prompting a broader national conversation about the state of democracy in Turkey.

The legacy of the Boğaziçi Protests continues to resonate today, inspiring ongoing efforts by academics, students, and civil society organizations to defend intellectual autonomy and challenge political encroachment on universities. They serve as a stark reminder that the fight for academic freedom is an ongoing struggle, requiring vigilance and collective action from all stakeholders.

The Role of International Actors

Beyond Turkey’s borders, the Boğaziçi Protests garnered international attention and sparked debates about the responsibility of foreign governments and institutions in supporting academic freedom abroad. Numerous universities, scholarly societies, and human rights organizations issued statements condemning the Turkish government’s crackdown on protesters and calling for Bulu’s resignation.

Several Western governments expressed concern over the events at Boğaziçi, urging the Turkish authorities to respect democratic principles and refrain from using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. These interventions, while welcomed by many supporters of the protests, were also met with skepticism from some who argued that they represented unwelcome interference in Turkey’s internal affairs.

The Boğaziçi Protests ultimately highlighted the complex geopolitical dimensions of academic freedom, raising questions about the balance between respecting national sovereignty and upholding universal values.

Long-Term Consequences

• Chilling Effect on Academic Discourse: The government’s crackdown on the protests created a climate of fear and uncertainty within Turkish universities, leading to self-censorship and a reluctance to engage in controversial topics.

• Erosion of Trust: The protests further eroded public trust in the AKP government and fueled concerns about its commitment to democratic values.

• International Reputational Damage: The events at Boğaziçi negatively impacted Turkey’s international image, particularly among academics and students seeking educational opportunities abroad.

The Boğaziçi Protests serve as a cautionary tale about the fragility of academic freedom and the need for constant vigilance in protecting it. They remind us that universities are not merely institutions of learning but also vital spaces for critical thinking, dissent, and the pursuit of knowledge, values essential to any thriving democracy.