- CoHE calls on universities to address the goal of “Terror-Free Türkiye” in opening ceremonies and first lessons of the 2026-2027 academic year

September 18, 2026

The Council of Higher Education (CoHE) has called on universities to address the goal of “Terror-Free Türkiye” during opening ceremonies and first lessons of the 2026–2027 academic year.

In a letter signed by CoHE President Erol Özvar and sent to all universities, CoHE stated that Türkiye is going through an important process aimed at strengthening peace and security, national unity and solidarity, brotherhood, and social cohesion, and highlighted the significance of the “Terror-Free Türkiye” goal put forward by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in this context.

The letter emphasized the importance of universities contributing to this process through their scientific knowledge, research capacity, and academic expertise. Universities were asked to address the goal of “Terror-Free Türkiye” from social, economic, legal, political, cultural, and security perspectives, drawing on contributions from different disciplines, and to conduct academic studies and organize panels, conferences, and workshops on the subject.

It was emphasized that addressing the goal of “Terror-Free Türkiye” during universities’ opening ceremonies and first lessons of the 2026-2027 academic year would help raise students’ awareness of the issue, strengthen an environment of social peace and security, reinforce national unity and solidarity, and contribute to social cohesion.

Universities were asked to demonstrate sensitivity to the issue.