Turkey's Foreign Ministry denies allegations concerning Hakan Fidan's academic qualifications.
News Article: Turkish Ministry Rejects Allegations Against Foreign Minister's Academic Credentials
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency's Directorate of Communications Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM), and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) have all officially rejected allegations questioning Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's academic credentials. The Turkish Foreign Ministry described such accusations as "false" and part of a "smear campaign," allegedly orchestrated by the FETO organization, which Turkey holds responsible for the 2016 failed coup attempt.
Regarding his academic background, Hakan Fidan earned a bachelor's degree in Management and Political Science from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), which was recognized by YÖK with an equivalency certificate. He then completed both his master’s and PhD degrees at Bilkent University. His master's thesis was titled "The Role of Intelligence in Foreign Policy," and his doctoral dissertation was "Diplomacy in the Information Age: The Use of Information Technologies in the Verification of International Agreements."
Fidan's doctoral dissertation explored how digital technology shapes international diplomacy in the modern world. His master's degree thesis at Bilkent University formed the theoretical basis for his later roles in public service and national security. Meanwhile, his formal education within the armed forces of Turkey included attendance at the Electronic Non-Commissioned Officer Preparatory School, Land Forces Communications School, and the Military Language School, where he specialised in military communications, technology, and developed strong operational discipline.
In summary:
- Turkish Foreign Ministry: Denies allegations, calls them false and politically motivated.
- Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM): Denies allegations, warns against manipulation of public opinion, supports with YÖK report.
- Council of Higher Education (YÖK): Officially validated Fidan’s degrees and educational documents.
These official responses collectively affirm the authenticity of Hakan Fidan’s academic qualifications. The Minister's degrees and equivalency certificates were publicly shared by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications Center for Combating Disinformation on May 15, 2025.
Meanwhile, in other news, Fenerbahce's Mourinho considers the clash with Feyenoord a big challenge, and believes the tie is 50-50. Elsewhere, Turkey's Kaan fighter jet is reported to be an affordable alternative to the F-35, and Turkey plans to build a spaceport in Somalia for rocket and missile tests. Furthermore, the arson attempt at Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque was thwarted by an alert visitor.
- The Turkish Foreign Ministry maintains that the allegations against Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's academic credentials are false and part of a politically motivated smear campaign.
- The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has officially validated Fidan’s degrees and educational documents, affirming their authenticity.
- In a related development, the Presidency's Directorate of Communications Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) has publicly shared Fidan's degrees and equivalency certificates.
- While the parliament deliberates on war-and-conflicts policy and legislation, general news covers other aspects of Turkish politics, including a reported arson attempt at Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque and Crime-and-justice updates such as Fenerbahce's Mourinho considering the clash with Feyenoord a big challenge, and Turkey's plans to build a spaceport in Somalia for rocket and missile tests, as well as the Kaan fighter jet's reported affordability compared to the F-35.
