Istanbul University invalidates Ekrem İmamoğlu’s master’s degree following diploma controversy

Istanbul University has officially invalidated the master’s degree of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, following the earlier annulment of his undergraduate diploma due to "non-existence" and "clear error," the university announced on July 24.

The decision was made by the Administrative Board of the university’s Social Sciences Institute, citing that İmamoğlu did not meet the mandatory "undergraduate graduation" requirement outlined in the university’s student regulations dating back to 1987. As a result, his graduation from the Human Resources Management Thesis Master’s Program and the related diploma have been deemed invalid, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The university further ordered the removal of İmamoğlu’s graduation records from the Academic Registration System (AKSİS) and updates to the Higher Education Information System (YÖKSİS). Additionally, his thesis has been withdrawn from the National Thesis Center managed by the Higher Education Council.

This development follows an ongoing investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into allegations that İmamoğlu’s undergraduate diploma is forged. The probe was triggered by reports from the Higher Education Council raising questions about the authenticity of the diploma.

Earlier, on March 18, Istanbul University had revoked İmamoğlu’s undergraduate diploma on similar grounds. His diploma records were subsequently removed from the university database in early May.

In parallel, the Istanbul 59th Criminal Court of First Instance accepted an indictment against İmamoğlu, charging him with repeated forgery of official documents. The court has scheduled the hearing for September 11.

By Vugar Khalilov