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Istanbul Bilgi University, one of Türkiye’s oldest private foundation universities, has had its operating license revoked by presidential decree, formally ending an institution that had spent the past eight months under state trusteeship following a criminal investigation into its conglomerate owner.
The decision was published on Friday in the Official Gazette and signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan under Article 11 of Higher Education Law No. 2547, which regulates the revocation of operating permits for foundation universities placed under court-appointed administration.
The decree stated that the university’s operating license was revoked because its founding foundation had been placed under trusteeship.
Following publication of the decision after midnight, the university rectorate held meetings on the next steps and separately met with deans, according to Turkish media reports.
Turkish media outlet T24, citing university sources, reported that meal cards of lecturers and administrative staff had been canceled.
The report also said access restrictions were imposed at the Kustepe preparatory campus, while preparatory school lecturers reportedly faced difficulties accessing institutional email accounts.
According to the report, private security personnel informed some lecturers they would need to clear out their offices.
The Council of Higher Education (YOK) said it had taken urgent measures to prevent disruption to education and avoid grievances for students and staff.
“The necessary procedures will be carried out without allowing any grievances for our students as well as the administrative and academic staff working at our university,” YOK said.
The council said further details would be announced through official channels.
Students enrolled at Istanbul Bilgi University will continue their education at the guarantor institution, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.
Authorities said if capacity proves insufficient, another university will be included in the transition process.
Founded on June 7, 1996, Istanbul Bilgi University was Türkiye’s fourth private foundation university.
The institution joined the U.S.-based Laureate International Universities network in 2006 before being sold in 2019 for $90 million to Can Holding through a company owned by businessman Kemal Can.
Can Holding later expanded into media by acquiring Habertürk, Show TV and Bloomberg HT from Ciner Group in March 2025.
The conglomerate came under investigation in September 2025 after the Kucukcekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a probe over allegations including establishing a criminal organization, smuggling, fraud and money laundering.
According to findings cited in the investigation, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reports alleged tax liabilities had been reduced through fictitious transactions and off-book operations, while shell companies were allegedly used to conceal unlawful capital increases.
A court subsequently transferred management of 121 companies linked to Can Holding to the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF).
The entities included Habertürk, Show TV, Doga Koleji, Energy Petrol and Istanbul Bilgi University.
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The investigation led to detention orders against several senior figures linked to the group, including Mehmet Sakir Can, Kemal Can and Kenan Tekdag.
Kemal Can was later arrested on charges including leading a criminal organization and concealing illicit assets.
Authorities later expanded the investigation with additional operations targeting affiliated companies and executives.
Subsequent raids across four provinces resulted in further arrests and judicial supervision measures involving company executives and members of the Can family.
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