"Turkish education breaks out of 'straitjacket'
By Vincent Boland
Published: December 9 2004 02:00 | Last updated: December 9 2004 02:00
At first glance, the campus of Sabanci University, onthe edge of Istanbul, looks more like an office park than a seat of learning. Surrounded by motorway construction and dismal industrial buildings, its appearance would disappoint those who associate universities with dreaming spires.
But in the five years since it was founded, the university has emerged as a new kind of academic institution in Turkey. In that time it has struck at least one significant blow for academic freedom, especially in the teaching of history, in a country fond of historical orthodoxies. And it is one of a handful of institutions shaping the new Turkey that is now pushing hard to join the European Union."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Turkish education breaks out of 'straitjacket'
