Turkey holds 2026-2027 academic year opening ceremony

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Council of Higher Education (YÖK) President Erol Özvar attended the opening ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year at the Presidential Complex. During the event, officials highlighted the expansion of the national higher education system, which now includes 208 universities and approximately 6.3 million students.

President Erdoğan emphasized the government's efforts to provide quality education across Anatolia, noting that the number of universities has grown from 76 to 208 over the last 24 years. He also expressed solidarity with students in Gaza, addressing the impact of conflict on education.

Erol Özvar stated that Turkey aims to increase its global academic visibility, with a goal of having at least two universities enter the world's top 100. He also noted that six Turkish universities are currently ranked in the global top 500. Additionally, the 'Terror-Free Turkey' initiative was discussed as a scientific and social priority for universities to address through research and academic discourse.

National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler also participated in ceremonies at the National Defense University, where he discussed regional security and the importance of the 'Terror-Free Turkey' goal in maintaining national stability.