Turkish Council of Higher Education Condemns Attacks on Iranian Universities
Separate statements issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Department of Student Affairs, the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), and universities across Turkey, sent to the Scientific Attaché and Supervisor of Iranian Students in Turkey, Eastern Europe, Greece, and Cyprus, expressed deep concern over the developments in the region and the attacks on Iran’s territorial integrity. They condemned the attacks and bombings of universities and scientific centers, which are hubs of peace, security, and dialogue.
Statement by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK)
The Turkish Council of Higher Education expresses deep concern and condemns the recent military developments in the region and the attacks on Iran’s territorial integrity.
Universities have always been centers of peace, science, and dialogue, and any belligerent action targeting regional stability is condemned.
The Council of Higher Education informs the university community and international students as follows:
Condemnation of Violence: We believe that the current “geostrategic impasse” can only be resolved through diplomacy. Military attacks that threaten civilian infrastructure and regional stability are a major impediment to scientific and academic progress.
Support for Students Affected by War: All Turkish universities are obliged to provide all necessary assistance to dear students from countries involved in the conflict (particularly Iranian students). This assistance includes facilitating registration processes, extending deadlines for education, and understanding the economic conditions arising from banking disruptions.
Preservation of the Scientific Environment: All student organizations are urged to express solidarity with the victims while refraining from any actions that endanger the security of university campuses or lead to illegal physical confrontations.
Continuity of Education: The education process in all Turkish universities will continue uninterrupted, and necessary measures to ensure the complete security of foreign students in dormitories and faculties will be strengthened by the relevant institutions.
We hope that the shadow of war will soon lift from the region and a safe environment will be provided for seekers of knowledge.
Middle East Technical University (METU) Statement
As an institution that has always supported regional cooperation and social justice, Middle East Technical University (METU) stands in solidarity with its Iranian colleagues and students.
The recent attacks on Iran’s sovereignty not only pose a humanitarian threat but also constitute a direct threat to the intellectual and developmental fabric of the Middle East.
We reject the normalization of military intervention and urge our international partners to support the protection of university institutions during this unstable period.
METU remains an open and safe haven for all members of our community affected by these events.
Hacettepe University Statement
Hacettepe University views the ongoing military developments with a focus on humanitarian responsibility.
As an institution leading in the fields of health and social sciences, we emphasize that war is a public health crisis that transcends borders.
Our university is committed to providing full administrative and psychological support to its Iranian student body.
We will ensure that the academic standing of no student is jeopardized due to external geopolitical circumstances.
We promote an approach of “science first” to regional issues and believe that the bonds of knowledge are stronger than forces of division.
We reaffirm our belief in “science and diplomacy.” We urge the international community to act with common sense and prefer peaceful solutions to military confrontation.
Support for Our Scientific Community: We guarantee that the rights of our Iranian students and faculty members will be fully protected during this challenging period. Our universities are committed to providing all necessary administrative, financial, and logistical support to ensure that their educational journey remains uninterrupted.
As a community of researchers, we reaffirm our vision of a Middle East where the sound of weapons is silenced and nations unite under the light of scientific progress and mutual respect.
