11K diplomas under scrutiny in Türkiye as Imamoglu’s alleged fake diploma investigated
Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the projects he will implement in Kucukcekmece to prevent flooding and environmental pollution caused by rainwater. (AA Photo)
Following the allegations about a fake diploma, an investigation has been launched into Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Journalist Baris Yarkadas revealed that the Higher Education Council (YOK) is reviewing over 11,000 diplomas in total.
Imamoglu’s education path
Imamoglu graduated from Trabzon High School and then enrolled at the Eastern Mediterranean University’s (EMU) Faculty of Civil Engineering. He later transferred to the Faculty of Economics at Girne American University in Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Imamoglu moved to Istanbul and transferred to Istanbul University in 1994, which was one of only five available spots at the time. Imamoglu graduated in 1994, but there is controversy regarding his diploma because YOK did not recognize Girne American University back then, making his diploma potentially invalid.
YOK’s retrospective review
After the controversy surrounding Imamoglu’s horizontal transfer, YOK started a comprehensive review of diplomas dating back to 1989-2001. In this process, 11,000 diplomas are under scrutiny, including those involving people who completed high school abroad and later entered universities.
YOK is specifically focusing on diplomas from the TRNC, where the education system follows the British system, and many students transferred between universities in Türkiye and the TRNC. The recognition of these transfers and their alignment with Turkish academic standards is at the heart of this review.
Legal implications
Imamoglu is scheduled to testify on Feb. 26. After his testimony, if the prosecutor finds sufficient evidence, a case may be filed.
YOK’s report will be critical in determining whether there will be legal actions. The final decision will depend on whether the court accepts the report and allows a lawsuit to proceed.
Current situation
Imamoglu is one of 11 individuals whose diplomas are being examined because of the transfer issue. Yarkadas mentioned that this inquiry extends to various educational systems, especially focusing on students who transferred from the TRNC to universities in Türkiye.
The debate also touches on issues of academic validity for students who graduated from non-Turkish universities. The scrutiny now affects over 11,000 people who may have faced similar issues regarding diploma recognition.
