In this study, it was taken as a basis for academic education, trained in the field of education, discussed in Turkey and the world, and the system for higher education in Turkey, which can be created and improved. The research is qualitative and a document review has been made and the past, present and future connection of the concept of academic freedom has been discussed. Academic freedom can be defined as the freedom of faculty members, academic community, students to freely choose, implement and publish their academic works without any pressure within the scientific community. However, this does not mean that making arbitrary statements on subjects outside the field of expertise and not complying with ethical rules and scientific ethics. Looking at its historical development, academic freedom began in the 19th century. It has gained importance in the German higher education system as a concept that includes the research mission brought to universities by Wilhelm Von Humboldt. Political and social problems in the world, including Turkey, appear as obstacles in the development of the concept of academic freedom and the lack of a universal understanding of academic freedom. On the way from the present to the future, it is seen that academic freedom is mostly exposed to threats within the framework of economic factors. Academic freedom in universities in Turkey remained within the concept of autonomy and could not develop in the context of individual rights and freedoms. New studies should be carried out by YÖK by examining the reports based on the academic freedom index published in the world on this subject, and legal grounds for academic freedom in higher education should be established.