About the Archive
More than 1,500 institutions closed overnight.
Universities, schools, hospitals, associations, media outlets. Shut by decree, with no right of appeal.
Context
What happened after 15 July 2016?
Turkey closed thousands of institutions through more than 30 emergency decree-laws (KHKs) issued during a two-year state of emergency. The decrees came into force without judicial review.
Employees, students, patients and members of these institutions walked through their doors one day; the next day, the doors were sealed.
"Forgetting is the second victory of oppression. This archive exists to resist the first."
Core Principles
Three principles that built this archive
Documentation
Every closure is verified against the original decree text and at least two independent secondary sources. Unverifiable information is not published. The archive is built on record, not assumption.
Testimony
Those who studied in those schools, worked in those hospitals, belonged to those associations find a voice here. Every memory is moderated; every name appears only with the owner's consent.
Open access
In 10 languages, free of charge, and suitable for academic citation. Serving as a primary source for journalists, researchers, and future historians is the founding purpose of this archive.
Process
How is the data collected?
Official source
We use the Official Gazette and decree texts as primary evidence for documentation. Recording these sources does not mean endorsing the decisions they contain.
Cross-verification
Nothing is published without at least two independent sources. Conflicting information is flagged and noted.
Community contribution
Alumni, staff, and families submit memories and corrections. Every contribution is reviewed by an editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions
For data collection and verification standards, you can review the Methodology page.
Contribute
This archive belongs to everyone
Did you notice missing information? Did you study or work at one of these institutions? Your contribution keeps this memory alive.