Turkey: Student activists to protest at Istanbul's Bosphorus University Jan. 6

Event

Student and faculty activists associated with the group Bosphorus Solidarity (Bogazici Dayanismasi) plan to rally at Istanbul's Bosphorus University (Bogazici Universitesi) on Jan. 6. The purpose of the action is to condemn the appointment of Dr. Melih Bulu as the school's new president. Protesters will gather at the university's South Campus Gate starting at 1400. The event could draw a large number of participants.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy a heavy police presence in the vicinity of the protest. Several thousand activists attended a related demonstration at the same location on Jan. 4. That gathering ended in clashes with police, as officers resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Similar confrontations are possible during the Jan. 6 event. Students and faculty at other academic institutions, including Istanbul Technical University and Ankara's Middle East Technical University, could stage separate demonstrations in solidarity with activists at Bosphorus University.

Context

Student activists at Bosphorus University are opposed to Bulu as the institute's president since he was appointed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) rather than being selected internally. Bulu had also been a candidate for Parliament on the AKP ticket during Turkey's 2015 elections. Critics assert his appointment is a political move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, rather than a decision based on the interests of academia.

Advice

Avoid the South Campus of Bosphorus University during the afternoon of Jan. 6, and particularly the main gate along Akaygen Street while the protest is taking place. Allow extra time to reach nearby destinations. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.