Istanbul University academics found engaging in unauthorized commercial activities

A report by the Turkish Court of Accounts (Sayıştay) has revealed that several academic staff members at Istanbul University have engaged in unauthorized commercial activities. The audit found that some academics held positions such as manager or director within private companies, which violates the Higher Education Law No. 2547 and the Civil Servants Law No. 657.

The report emphasizes that as civil servants, academic personnel are prohibited from engaging in trade or other profit-making activities that could lead to conflicts of interest. Investigations using data from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce confirmed that these individuals held management roles in private legal entities.

In addition to commercial violations, the audit noted that some academics failed to complete their mandatory weekly teaching loads. Istanbul University management has stated that the Rectorate will monitor the process and that necessary actions will be taken by the relevant units.