On February 7, 2026, Turkish police, armed with water cannons, deployed to Boğaziçi University (BU) to support the forced evacuation of several student club offices, prompting clashes between student protesters and the police.
The previous night, BU’s administration restricted access to its South Campus, where the offices of several student clubs—the Music Club, Underwater Sports Club, Fine Arts Club, and Sports Board—were located. During the night, the university began the process of moving the four clubs from South Campus to Hisar campus. They removed the clubs’ belongings and furniture from their rooms and changed the locks on the doors. A heavy police presence, including a riot police unit, water cannon, and police detention vehicle, was deployed to campus in anticipation of student protests.
On February 7, students gathered to protest the blockade of the campus and the relocation of the student clubs. Students held signs and chanted against BU’s administration, demanding the rector’s resignation. Scuffles broke out between the students and police.
According to students, faculty, and alumni, the movement of the student clubs was part of a concerted effort by BU’s administration to undermine student organizing on campus. Student clubs have played a leading role in protests against BU’s rectorate in recent years.
Scholars at Risk is concerned about violence on campus and about the use of outside armed law enforcement in the course of university administrative matters. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. More broadly, the use of police to enforce administrative decisions undermines institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and democratic society generally.
Sources:
https://ankahaber.net/haber/detay/students_clash_with_police_at_bogazici_university_over_club_evictions_291585
https://en.haberler.com/bogazici-university-is-in-turmoil-2208083/
https://www.birgun.net/haber/police-enter-bogazici-university-pepper-spray-used-against-students-691523
https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/bogazici-universitesinde-polis-ablukasi-ogrencilere-biber-gazi-ve-plastik-1007092h
https://gazeteoksijen.com/turkiye/akademisyen-ve-ogrencilerden-tepki-bogazici-universitesi-guney-kampusteki-kulup-odalari-bosaltildi-264964
https://www.endangeredscholarsworldwide.net/post/police-blockade-on-bogazici-university-during-presidential-visit