Nine years have passed since the July 15th coup attempt. Following this event, which Erdoğan described as a “blessing from God,” the state of emergency declared in Turkey and the subsequent statutory decrees resulted in the dismissal or expulsion of approximately 200,000 public personnel. Millions of students and citizens were among the victims. The repercussions of these operations in the academic world were even more profound.
Between 2016 and 2018, over 8,000 academics were dismissed from their positions at public universities, representing approximately 5.7% of all professors. There was a noticeable decline in the quality of academic work; the number of publications decreased by 20-30%, and many theses were canceled.
The academic world suffered not only individual but also collective devastation with the statutory decrees:
- 6,081 academics were dismissed by the Council of Higher Education.
- Most of the 2,212 signatories of the Academics for Peace petition were subjected to investigation during the state of emergency.
- 1,577 deans were forced to resign, and numerous faculty and administrative staff faced disciplinary investigations.
- Suicides were reported among academics dismissed from public service.
- Nearly half of the dismissed peace academics are experiencing financial difficulties, and one in ten lacks health insurance.
“Never Again!”
The phrase “Never again!” is a warning etched in the collective memory throughout history following totalitarian regimes and mass human rights violations. This phrase is particularly remembered in Germany after Nazi Germany with the slogan “Nie wieder!”: never again should state-sanctioned injustices, the silencing of academia, and the suppression of freedom of thought be tolerated. However, in the nine years since July 15th, Turkey has failed to internalize this call. Instead of saying “never again,” we are living through a period in which social and academic memory is systematically suppressed, critical voices are neutralized, and alternative views are criminalized.
Academia is the intellectual conscience and compass of a society. However, in Turkey, this compass has been seriously distorted. Academic freedoms have become fragile, scientific production has lost momentum, and international collaborations have weakened. Victims of statutory decrees still cannot access their rights of defense and are prevented from returning to scientific work. Many academics, isolated from their colleagues abroad, have been condemned to loneliness and poverty. This process has led not only to individual but also to a collective loss of memory.
To reverse this situation, a renewed embrace of the law, human rights, and scientific ethical principles is necessary. Turkey’s academic future can only blossom in an environment where freedom of expression is guaranteed, merit is prioritized, and critical thinking is not punished. Mending bridges built through international academic networks, strengthening the culture of academic solidarity, and confronting past grievances will form the cornerstones of this rebuilding.
On this anniversary, Turkey must not only reckon with the past but also demonstrate its resolve for a more just, free, and productive future. It’s not too late to say “never again”—but time is rapidly running out.
