Boğaziçi University

Nationalist Movement Party's (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli on Feb. 23 called on youngsters of Turkey to be careful in expressing their objections and avoid "making wrong choices," while warning them to stay away from the "terror groups in front of university doors," referring to Boğaziçi University protests.

Two new faculties in Boğaziçi University are set to be established after a presidential decree published on Feb. 6.

According to the decision, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a law faculty and a communications faculty will be established in the country's most prestigious university.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Feb. 5 said that the recent protests at Turkey's Boğaziçi University, over the appointment of Rector Melih Bulu, are not about the students, but stem from the country's opposition parties.

The Foreign Ministry has lashed out at foreign critics for criticizing Turkish authorities' way of handling protests at Istanbul's Boğaziçi University, saying that no one has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of Turkey.

Following the announcement of a possible new constitution, Turkey's president welcomed on Feb. 3 everyone who wish to contribute to drafting of the new constitution.

"Such a comprehensive work will become meaningful with the involvement of all groups in the country," Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told his ruling AKP's provincial congresses via video link from the party's headquarters.

Turkish riot police use plastic bullets as they secure the area around Bogazici University in Istanbul during a protest against the new government-appointed rector, February 2, 2021. Photo: EPA-EFE/TOLGA BOZOGLU

Of that number, 76 have been released after interrogation and another 10 put under house arrest. Police interrogation of the others continues.

Melih Bulu, the newly appointed rector at Istanbul's Boğaziçi University, said he will not step down following protests by the university students and academics.

Speaking to reporters, Bulu said he has no intentions to resign from his post and that he assumes that the crisis that started with his appointment will end in six months and that it will be so.

Turkish protesters flee riot police in Istanbul on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE/TOLGA BOZOGLU.

The number of students detained is not yet known but it is estimated to be in the hundreds. Police chased fleeing protesters through the streets of Kadikoy, and journalists and local residents were also injured during the crackdown.

Turkey based journalist Ayla Jean Yackley joins us to discuss the ongoing protests at Istanbul's Bogazici University against a new state-appointed rector that was hand-picked by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The American School of Classical Studies at Athens has invited historian Koray Durak to deliver the next lecture in its Byzantine Dialogues series, which will be streamed live at 7 p.m. on January 26 Greek time.