Opposition figure, Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu’s diploma canceled, blocking presidential bid

Istanbul University has revoked the diploma of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, citing “nullity” and “clear error” as grounds for cancellation, the university announced Tuesday. The decision affects Imamoglu and 27 other individuals whose academic credentials have now been invalidated.

The university’s action marks a dramatic escalation in a politically charged dispute over Imamoglu ‘s academic credentials that has been building since February. The controversy centers on whether his 1990 transfer from Girne American University (GAU) in Northern Cyprus to Istanbul University was valid under Türkiye’s higher education regulations. Pro-government media have been accusing Imamoglu of being illegally transferred to another university in his youth.

Imamoglu said after the decision, “The days those behind the decision will be held accountable before history and justice are close.”

İstanbul Üniversitesi Yönetim Kurulu'nun kararı HUKUKSUZDUR.

Böyle bir karar alma yetkileri yoktur. Yetki, sadece İşletme Fakültesi Yönetim Kurulu’ndadır. Bu kararı alanların tarih ve adalet önünde hesap verecekleri günler yakındır. Adalete, hukuka ve demokrasiye susamış…

— Ekrem İmamoğlu (@ekrem_imamoglu) March 18, 2025

The decision could have profound implications for Imamoglu’s political future, as Türkiye’s law requires presidential candidates to hold a valid university degree. As a prominent figure in the main opposition party CHP and potential presidential contender, Imamoglu’s eligibility for higher office now appears in jeopardy just days before scheduled CHP primaries on March 23.

Allegations of document forgery on Istanbul mayor’s diploma spark high-profile investigation

The investigation into Imamoglu’s credentials began on February 22, when the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a probe into allegations of “forgery of official documents.” The inquiry was triggered by a report from Türkiye’s Higher Education Council (YOK) that highlighted potential irregularities in Imamoglu’s academic transfer.

Critics of Imamoglu, including pro-government media outlets, have claimed GAU lacked recognition from YOK between 1986 and 1992, potentially invalidating his transfer and subsequent degree awarded in the mid-1990s. Testimony from GAU official Ozalp Tozan supporting this timeline has featured prominently in coverage questioning the mayor’s credentials.

Imamoglu and his team have consistently defended the legitimacy of his transfer, arguing it complied with regulations in place in 1990. They maintain that transfers were permitted based on grade point average and timely applications, without requiring retroactive recognition — regulations they say changed only in 1996.

Why Istanbul mayor’s diploma has been revoked?

The mayor’s advisers have characterized the investigation as politically motivated, pointing to its timing shortly after Imamoglu secured significant support for a potential presidential run.

Public and media reaction to the university’s decision has been sharply divided along political lines, reflecting Türkiye’s polarized political climate.

The controversy has also prompted YOK to undertake a broader review of more than 11,000 diplomas issued by universities in the Northern Cyprus, suggesting systemic concerns about past academic transfers.

What is next for Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu as his diploma is cancelled?

Legal experts anticipate Imamoglu will challenge the university’s decision in administrative courts, with appeals potentially reaching higher judicial bodies or international forums such as the European Court of Human Rights. The resolution of this academic dispute could reshape Türkiye’s political landscape ahead of future presidential elections.

The mayor has not yet issued a public response to the university’s decision.