He went as he had come, by presidential decree. Appointed by the decision of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan in January, AKP member Prof. Dr. Melih Bulu was removed from his position as rector of Boğaziçi University on Wednesday night.
Erdoğan dismissed the rector by a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette. The president did not give any reason for the dismissal nor name a successor, but clearly months of protests by students, teachers, academics and the people had an impact on the decision.
Boğaziçi University students and academics had indeed been protesting against trustee rector Bulu since his very appointment, demanding his resignation. Many students were detained during the protests that continued for months and many face charges.
Boğaziçi Solidarity said in a statement: "From the first day, we repeat that our resistance was not about individuals, but about imposed appointments and trustees! We say that the struggle against trustees appointed to all universities and municipalities should continue on an uncompromising line! #TümKayyumlarGidecek."