Ankara verschärft die Sicherheit vor dem NATO-Gipfel

Middle East Technical University (METU) students were ordered to vacate their campus dormitories ahead of the NATO summit, which took place in Ankara from July 7 to 8, 2026. The university administration sent an email to students on June 26, informing them that the governor's office had imposed restrictions on personnel and vehicle entry to the campus between July 6 and July 12. Students were given until July 4 at 10:00 a.m. to vacate their rooms, as accommodation services would be suspended during those dates. This directive sparked significant concern among students, particularly those who needed to remain in Ankara for internships or employment and lacked alternative housing.

The decision led to widespread criticism from students, many of whom found themselves in a difficult position. In response, students organized meetings in the dormitories and collectively decided not to vacate the premises. Reports indicated that women students in Dormitory 5 highlighted the challenges they faced, noting that they spent much of their time at internships or workplaces. The short timeframe for packing and leaving created severe logistical problems, and they expressed concerns about the lack of alternative accommodations. Additionally, the closure of the airport and certain roads for security purposes made evacuation impractical.

Students began preparing individual petitions to the administration, asserting their right to housing. They also launched a broader petition open to all METU students. In a joint statement, the students emphasized their determination to retain their housing rights, questioning whether NATO's interests outweighed their basic needs. They posed rhetorical questions about the fate of those who had no valid excuse to leave and how such grievances could be addressed.

Meanwhile, the city of Ankara implemented extensive security and transportation measures in anticipation of the NATO summit. The Interior Minister, Mustafa Çiftçi, stated that preparations involved close coordination across diplomatic, security, and transport sectors. A total of 56,288 personnel, including 48,841 police officers and 7,447 gendarmerie personnel, were deployed to secure the summit. Security and traffic controls were enforced around the Presidential Complex, ATO Congresium, hotels, airports, and key transport routes. The measures aimed to protect citizens, visiting dignitaries, and security forces, ensuring the summit proceeded without disruption.

Cybersecurity efforts were also intensified, with 639 additional personnel tasked with continuous online monitoring. Coordination centers were established at the Ankara Governor’s Office and the Interior Ministry to oversee operations. The State Airports Authority announced temporary air traffic restrictions at Ankara Esenboğa Airport, affecting civilian and military flights during specific hours. However, flights carrying foreign heads of state and official delegations remained unaffected, and passengers were urged to check for flight updates.

In a lighter note, the summit also featured a unique cultural touch. Lokum, a Turkish Angora cat cared for at the Presidential National Library, captured the attention of foreign journalists. The cat, known for its distinctive appearance and calm demeanor, was introduced to the media as part of Ankara’s cultural outreach. Veterinarian Ayşegül Korkmaz explained that Lokum was brought to the media area to highlight Turkey’s native cat breed and to provide a welcoming presence for international visitors.

Additionally, Türkiye issued a commemorative 5-lira coin to mark the summit. The coin, produced by the country’s mint, featured the NATO emblem and images of the summit venue and dates. It entered general circulation and could be used in daily transactions. An initial run of 100,000 coins was followed by an additional 400,000, with a total of 500,000 planned. The summit marked the 36th gathering of NATO leaders and the second time Türkiye hosted the event, following the 2004 summit in Istanbul.

As the summit approached, tensions between student rights and national security measures continued to surface, reflecting broader debates about balancing public safety with individual freedoms. The situation underscored the complex interplay between institutional decisions and personal circumstances, especially in the lead-up to a major international event.