Turkiye’s top university saw defiant protests today from students and academics who have been on strike for nearly 900 days against Erdogan’s appointed rector.

The ban on the protests came after Erdogan secured another term as president on Sunday. The protesters say the appointment violates academic freedom and autonomy.

They have been turning their backs in front of the rector’s office every day since January 2021. The rector was changed in July 2021 but the protesters still reject him.

The protest today was peaceful. Many Turks view Erdogan’s interference in the education sector as part of his broader attempt to control different aspects of their lives.