Tension at Boğaziçi University Graduation; 5-Year Revocation of Student Card

The 2026 graduation ceremony at Turkey's prestigious Boğaziçi University, long regarded as a symbol of academic freedom, was marked this year by a bitter and controversial incident. According to reports in local media, including the newspaper 'Tunceli EMEK', a student's refusal to take a photo with a faculty member resulted in a heavy sanction from the university administration [1].

Details of the Incident at the Graduation Ceremony During the distribution of diplomas for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Hasan Özdağ, a student who graduated with a double major in Political Science/International Relations and Philosophy, refused to take a commemorative photo with Yasin Ramazan Başaran, a professor in the Philosophy Department, while receiving his documents. Videos circulating on social media show the student calmly stepping out of the photo frame, but this action met with a sharp reaction from the professor, who attempted to pull the diploma back from the student's hand [2].

During the ceremony, the professor addressed the student, saying: 'If you do not want to take a photo, you can go and get your diploma from the secretariat. I am representing the Philosophy Department here and I cannot be part of your show.' This verbal clash was met with applause and support from other students for their classmate [3].

University Administration Reaction and Card Revocation Decree Only hours after the event, the Boğaziçi University administration, led by Naci İnci, took an unprecedented decision. According to an official notification from the Alumni Office, Hasan Özdağ's entry card (Mezun Kartı) has been suspended for 5 years due to what was described as 'disrupting the order and peace of the official ceremony' [1]. This means the graduate will not have the right to enter the campus where he studied for years for a period of 5 years, except with special permission from the Rectorate [3].

Background of Tensions at Boğaziçi University This incident cannot be viewed in isolation from the political tensions of recent years at the university. Since 2021, following the appointment of state-designated rectors (whom students refer to as 'appointed rectors'), widespread protests have been ongoing at this academic center. Many students view professors like Başaran, who were recruited during the new era, as part of the university's restructuring project and refuse to cooperate or take photos with them [2].

Social and Legal Reactions Student platforms and human rights organizations in Turkey have described the university's action as 'vindictive' and a 'violation of freedom of expression.' The Boğaziçi University Alumni Association announced that revoking a student's entry card for a peaceful act of protest lacks legal merit and stated they will pursue the matter in judicial authorities [1]. This incident has once again brought debates regarding university autonomy and the line between administrative discipline and political suppression in Turkey to the forefront of the news.