Investigation into Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu alleged fake diploma uncovers new details
Ekrem Imamoglu, Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), at the 20th Extraordinary Congress called 'Second Century Change Congress' at ATO Congresium, where CHP's party program was discussed, Ankara, Türkiye, September 7, 2024 (AA Photo)
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is once again in the spotlight following an investigation into his university diploma.
A recent report prepared by Türkiye’s Higher Education Board (HEB) has been released, revealing crucial details about Imamoglu’s university transfer process in 1990.
The report highlights that, at the time of his transfer, the university he joined was not recognized by the board, and the procedures surrounding the transfer did not comply with the established regulations.
Key findings from report
The report focused on Imamoglu’s transfer to the University College of Northern Cyprus (UCNC) in 1990, which was not recognized by the Higher Education Board at that time.
UCNC’s recognition was only finalized in 1993.
Therefore, when Imamoglu made the transfer, the university was not included in the list of eligible institutions for horizontal transfers.
This finding directly challenges the legitimacy of Imamoglu’s transfer, as it occurred during a period when UCNC was not recognized by the Higher Education Board as a valid institution for such transfers.
Transfer procedures deemed improper
The report also raised concerns regarding the procedures followed by Istanbul University’s Faculty of Business Administration for Imamoglu’s transfer.
The findings indicated that the process did not align with the regulations established by the Higher Education Board.
Specifically, it was noted that in 1988 and 1992, it had been clearly communicated that only Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus was recognized for student transfers, but UCNC, where Imamoglu transferred, was not listed among the recognized institutions.
According to the report, the transfer procedures from UCNC were not carried out in accordance with the regulations.
The Faculty of Business Administration at Istanbul University did not follow the necessary protocols as outlined by the Higher Education Board when accepting Imamoglu and other students from UCNC, a university that was not yet recognized at the time.
Details of transfer process
The report further examined the official announcement made by Istanbul University’s Faculty of Business Administration in 1990, which listed the quotas for horizontal transfers into both Turkish and English business programs.
The notice indicated that the total number of students accepted for horizontal transfers was 55 across different classes.
However, the report raised serious questions regarding changes made to the transfer quotas by the Faculty Management Board. On September 12, 1990, the Board decided to increase the quotas by one-third for students transferring from foreign universities.
This resulted in 51 students, including Imamoglu, being accepted into the English Business program. The report suggested that this decision lacked a solid legal foundation, as it was not consistent with the regulations.
Discrepancies in Imamoglu’s biography
As the investigation into Imamoglu’s diploma continues, discrepancies in his official biography have emerged. Imamoglu’s lawyers have strongly rejected the claims that he switched from an engineering program to business administration.
They emphasized that official records show Imamoglu studied English Business Administration at UCNC, not engineering, as some earlier claims suggested.
This defense contradicts the official biographies published by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the IMM, which state that Imamoglu initially enrolled in the Civil Engineering program at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus and later transferred to the Business Administration program at Girne American University.
This inconsistency between Imamoglu’s legal defense and his official biography has added further complexity to the investigation.
Legal defenses from Imamoglu’s lawyers
In response to the findings in the report, Imamoglu’s lawyers held a press conference to defend their client. Lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan specifically addressed the allegations about Imamoglu’s transfer.
He argued that, under the regulations in effect at the time, students who met certain criteria could transfer without needing an entrance exam score. Pehlivan stated that Imamoglu had met all the necessary conditions for a horizontal transfer under the rules of that period.
Pehlivan also pointed out that Imamoglu applied for the transfer on August 29, 1990, well before the official deadline of September 14, satisfying one of the key requirements outlined in the official announcement.
Additionally, Pehlivan confirmed that Imamoglu had passed all of his courses, fulfilling another requirement for the transfer. Imamoglu’s GPA, reported to be 62.5, exceeded the minimum threshold of 60.
Pehlivan explained that after applications were submitted, a Horizontal Transfer Commission was formed at Istanbul University, which recommended Imamoglu’s transfer. The Faculty Management Board officially approved the transfer on September 12, 1990.
