Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday dismissed a university rector whose appointment in January led to protests by students and staff.
Melih Bolu was dismissed from his post at Istanbul’s prestigious Bogazici University in the same way he was appointed – a midnight presidential decree published in the Official Gazette.
The shock announcement led to celebrations among students and staff at Bogazici, one of Turkey’s best-regarded universities.
“It was totally unexpected,” said history student Enes Sayin. “People are really happy but we know the protests aren’t over. It’s a small victory but we don’t know what’s going to happen now. But today we’re happy.
“This is the first time in a long time that President Erdogan took a step back.”
Prof Bolu’s appointment led to daily protests that continued on Thursday as faculty members demonstrated against government interference in academic freedom.
Placing Prof Bolu, a former member of Mr Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party who once applied to be an election candidate, as rector of Bogazici was a departure from previous appointments from within the university’s staff.
His appointment was the first from outside the university since a military coup in 1980.
Peaceful demonstrations led to hundreds of arrests and police brutality against students. Senior government figures attempted to demonise the protesters by labelling them terrorists and using homophobic slurs.
Founded in 1863 by an American philanthropist and a missionary, Bogazici, or Bosphorus, University counts former prime ministers, captains of industry and leading artists among its alumni.
Prof Bolu appears to have been uninformed about the decision to sack him and posted a comment on his Instagram account calling it “unfounded news”. He later closed the account.
No reason was given for his dismissal but it reportedly came after a meeting of the Council of Higher Education on Wednesday that discussed Prof Bolu’s six-month tenure. A report was later sent to Mr Erdogan.
There have also been claims of plagiarism relating to Prof Bolu’s PhD thesis.
His deputy, Mehmet Naci Inci, was announced as an interim replacement. Prof Inci was one of the few Bogazici faculty members to recognise Prof Bolu’s appointment, breaking ranks with colleagues who staged daily protests in which they stood with their backs to the rector’s office.
The students and academics will now focus on putting forward a candidate for a new rector, as well as fighting the restrictions and security measures imposed on campus during Prof Bolu’s tenure.
“It’s undoubtedly a significant victory but that’s only a fraction of what we want,” said Feyzi Ercin, a cinema and music lecturer barred from teaching at the university under Prof Bolu.
“Our goal was to show that the appointment was incorrect and [now] our main goal is to get a rector elected. The fact that there is a victory right now gives everyone a lot of morale and strength. But from now on, it's going to be a new journey, different from what’s happened so far.”
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Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
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Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
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Report to local authorities
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
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Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
Tomorrow 2021
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):
Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Results:
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1.400m | Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
