Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Trump Asserts Biden’s Pardons of Jan. 6 Committee Members Are Invalid Due to Autopen Signature

March 17, 2025

Trump to Sign Executive Order Targeting ‘Sanctuary’ Jurisdictions

April 28, 2025

Most Decorated K-9 in U.S. History, White House Secret Service Dog, Dies

February 21, 2025

Trump Appoints Hung Cao and Paul Dabbar to Key Administration Roles

February 28, 2025

China Promises to Resist U.S. Tariff Wars Amid Accusations of Unilateral Bullying

April 8, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Call for Unity in Pursuit of Peace
  • UK Authorities Seize Over $130 Million in Cocaine from Ship at London Port
  • IAEA Director General Discusses Nuclear Safety on National Broadcast
  • German Lawmakers Approve Restrictions on Family Reunification Program
  • Experts Discuss Rare Case of Heart Attack Linked to Bee Ingestion
  • Canada Warns of Threats to Critics from Iran Amid Israel Attacks
  • Scheduled Outlook for June 30 – July 4, 2025
  • Goldman Sachs and Citadel Invest in Cryptocurrency Firm
  • Healthcare Data Breach Exposes 5 Million Patient Records at Episource
  • Senate Prepares to Vote on Trump’s Comprehensive Legislation
  • Hungary’s LGBTQ Community Protests Government Ban at Budapest Pride March
  • Amazon Plans £40 Billion UK Investment Over Next Three Years
  • Trump Tariffs Not Driving U.S. Price Increases: An Analysis
  • Norway Royal’s Stepson Faces Multiple Rape Charges
  • Investment Firm Identifies Key AI Stocks Amid Ongoing Market Surge
  • Funeral of Melissa and Mark Hortman: Viewing Options Available
  • Study Reveals Nearly 2 Million Annual Avoidable Deaths from Chronic Disease in Europe and Central Asia
  • New Phishing Scam Exploits Legitimate Emails to Steal Personal Information via PayPal
  • Top NBA Draft Pick Honors Caitlin Clark as WNBA Mount Rushmore Contender
  • Israeli Strikes Claim Dozens of Lives in Gaza Amid Trump’s Ceasefire Comments
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Saturday, June 28
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Turkey Reports » Boğaziçi University students occupy new campus café in protest against privatization
Boğaziçi University students occupy new campus café in protest against privatization

Boğaziçi University students occupy new campus café in protest against privatization

Serdar ImrenBy Serdar ImrenFebruary 19, 2025 Turkey Reports 5 Mins Read

Boğaziçi University students have launched an occupation of a newly opened café on campus, protesting against rising prices and demanding the right to establish a student-run collective in the space. The café, which many believe is part of a corporate takeover of campus facilities, has prompted significant backlash as students take matters into their own hands. This ongoing protest, reminiscent of past events concerning corporate influence on educational spaces, reflects deeper discontent among the student body regarding governance and accessibility in their university.

Article Subheadings
1) The Origins of the Occupation
2) Student Responses and Actions
3) Allegations Against Corporate Interests
4) Historical Context of Student Protests
5) The Future of Student Governance

The Origins of the Occupation

The recent student occupation at Boğaziçi University began on February 10, when students discovered that a new café had opened in a central campus location, which they believed would replace their traditional canteen services. Students expressed concerns regarding the financial implications of this corporate café, particularly its decision to charge significantly higher prices compared to their previously available options. The café, dubbed “Occupation Café” by the students, represents their desire for accessible and affordable food and drink on campus. The occupation was organized swiftly, with rapid mobilization by the student body demonstrating their commitment to democratic values and collective action.

Student Responses and Actions

In a show of solidarity and innovative engagement, over 1,000 students rallied around the café, voicing their dissent with powerful slogans and banners such as “We bring our cheap coffee to your expensive tables,” and “No passage for capital in Boğaziçi.” This expression of discontent not only encapsulates the students’ arguments against financial inequality but also highlights their initiative to foster alternative spaces for communal interaction. The students have been actively involved in producing their own coffee and organizing various events within the café space, maintaining a sense of community and agency amid their struggle against institutional decisions they perceive as unjust.

Allegations Against Corporate Interests

The situation has further complicated as accusations arose regarding the role of the café company, known as Espressolab. Despite the corporation’s denial of operating a branch on the university’s premises, students reported seeing the brand’s logo on certain products, fueling suspicions about underlying corporate motives. Espressolab’s ownership is characterized by close ties to governmental entities, raising broader questions about privatization in public universities. This incident echoes concerns regarding corporate influence over education, spurring critical dialogue on the integrity of university governance and the prioritization of profit over student welfare.

Historical Context of Student Protests

The recent protests at Boğaziçi University are part of a larger tapestry of student activism, particularly in the past decade. For instance, a prior protest against the introduction of a Starbucks café on campus resulted in sustained occupation efforts that successfully led to its shutdown and conversion into a study space. Additionally, in 2021, protests against the appointment of a government rector escalated into violent confrontations, underlining persistent tensions between students and administrative authorities. These historical precedents inform the current protest, demonstrating a long-standing tradition of student resistance and advocacy for a more democratically operated academic environment.

The Future of Student Governance

Amidst the ongoing occupation, students have articulated their desire for structural changes that would empower them in governance decisions affecting their university experience. They demand the administration grant them the opportunity to establish a student-run collective within the café space, a move indicative of their broader aspirations for participatory governance. The outcome of these protests could potentially influence university policies and set a precedent for future student-led initiatives. As students continue to pursue their rights and challenge administrative decisions, they are reshaping the narrative of student governance and engagement within educational institutions.

No. Key Points
1 Students at Boğaziçi University are occupying a new café, protesting against high prices and corporate influence on campus life.
2 During the occupation, students have organized events and created a community space that emphasizes accessibility and affordability.
3 The café chain Espressolab is under scrutiny due to alleged ties with government interests and accusations of misleading students about its operations.
4 Historical instances of resistance at Boğaziçi University inform current protests, reflecting a deep-rooted culture of activism among students.
5 Students are advocating for a collective governance model and substantive changes in their university’s decision-making processes.

Summary

The student occupation at Boğaziçi University underscores a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for equitable access to campus amenities and the fight against privatization of educational spaces. This episode not only evokes memories of past protests but also serves as a rallying point for students who seek to redefine how governance is exercised within their university. As students continue to negotiate their demands with university officials, the outcomes of this occupation could shape the future landscape of student participation and influence in institutional decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What triggered the occupation at Boğaziçi University?

The occupation was triggered by the opening of a new café that students believed would replace affordable dining options, coupled with concerns over rising prices and corporate influence on campus.

Question: Who is Espressolab, and what is its connection to the protest?

Espressolab is a café chain with alleged ties to the government, and students have accused it of misleading them about its presence on campus, which fueled their protests against corporate influences.

Question: What are the students demanding from the university administration?

Students are demanding the right to establish a student-run collective within the café space and are calling for more participatory governance in decision-making processes at the university.

Boğaziçi café campus Critical Issues in Turkey Democracy in Turkey Domestic Affairs Turkey Economic Policy Turkey Government Policies Turkey Legislative Updates Turkey Media and Politics Turkey National Security Turkey occupy Political Developments Turkey Political Reforms Turkey privatization protest Regional Impact Turkey Social Issues Turkey Students Turkey’s Strategic Developments Turkish Diplomacy Turkish Elections Turkish Foreign Relations Turkish Leadership Turkish Legal Affairs Turkish Politics Turkish Public Policy University
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
Serdar Imren
  • Website

Serdar Imren is a distinguished journalist with an extensive background as a News Director for major Turkish media outlets. His work has consistently focused on upholding the core principles of journalistic integrity: accuracy, impartiality, and a commitment to the truth. In response to the growing restrictions on press freedom in Turkey, he established News Journos to create a platform for independent and critical journalism. His reporting and analysis cover Turkish politics, human rights, and the challenges facing a free press in an increasingly authoritarian environment.

Keep Reading

Turkey Reports

Call for Unity in Pursuit of Peace

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Major Wildfires Spread Across Türkiye

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Major Tech Platforms Expand Voice Integration Features

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Official Urges Retrieval of Earthquake Reports for Improved Preparedness

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Journalist Faces Threats Following Report on Alleged Sex Trafficking Ring in Şırnak

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

HSK Appointments Officially Announced in Gazette

6 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Trump Attributes Stock Market Decline to ‘Globalists’

March 8, 2025

Trump Uses Alien Enemies Act to Address Violent Illegal Immigrant Gangs

March 15, 2025

Trump Engages in Heated Exchange During Interview with ABC News Anchor

April 30, 2025

Trump Welcomes Elon Musk and DOGE in Oval Office, Signals Future Collaboration After Departure

May 31, 2025

Trump Commends Robert Prevost’s Election as Pope

May 8, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.