New rector controversy

Among the rector candidates, Söylet was the only one known for his pro-government stance.

Söylet received second rank in university elections with 467 votes, while Prof. Ali Akyüz received the most backing with 483 votes. The Higher Education Council, or YÖK, however, placed Söylet at the top of the list submitted to Gül.

Söylet tied with Ali Akyüz
After the university submitted six rector candidates to the YÖK, the candidate review board of the YÖK interviewed each candidate on Dec. 22. Following the interviews, Söylet’s meeting with the YÖK members at a dinner drew criticism.

Although Akyüz and Söylet received the same number of votes in the board’s election, 11 out of 19 votes, YÖK submitted Söylet as first rank.

Before Gül’s decision, the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions, or DİSK, submitted a written statement to Gül stating that the appointment of a candidate who won the most number of votes would be the right approach.

Söylet was one of the academics who had supported lifting the headscarf ban in universities.

While conducting the presidency of the Warm Home Association that was established by Erdoğan, Söylet was appointed to YÖK membership by Gül in 2007. He resigned from his office to run as rector candidate.

Söylet, a supporter of lifting headscarf ban
"A member appointed as a YÖK member by the government now appears as a rector candidate in elections to be held by Istanbul University. Is this democracy, is this scientific autonomy?"

Istanbul University’s previous rector, Prof. Mesut Parlak, said during the inauguration of the university at the beginning of the academic term.

Indeed, Gül’s appointment of Söylet to the rectorate comes after another controversial decision.

Instead of Prof. Sedef Gidener, who held first place, Gül appointed Prof. Mehmet Füzün as rector of Dokuz Eylül University in İzmir. Gidener filed a complaint against the appointment.

"Receiving the highest vote is akin to election results. It does not mean superiority among candidates," the presidential office said in relation to the case.