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Gittigidiyor was one of Turkey’s earliest and most trusted e-commerce platforms. For many years, because it was owned by the American e-commerce giant eBay, it was widely known as the “eBay Turkey” website.
Before its closure, Gittigidiyor offered millions of products, attracted tens of millions of visits each month, and was a giant online shopping market. Although the platform is no longer active, many shoppers and sellers still search for information about what happened and which websites have replaced its role in the Turkish market.
What Happened to Gittigidiyor?
Gittigidiyor Closed!
After analyzing the competitive landscape and its internal operations in Turkey, eBay decided to shut down Gittigidiyor. According to the official timeline, Gittigidiyor stopped accepting new listings on June 20, 2022, and completely stopped shopping (buying and selling) on July 18, 2022.
The “My Account” section remained accessible until September 5, 2022, so users could track orders, download invoices, and resolve any outstanding transactions. Customer service support continued until September 30, 2022. After these dates, the platform was fully closed.
Why Did eBay Close Gittigidiyor?
eBay stated that the decision was part of a strategic review of its global portfolio. In practice, the Turkish e-commerce market had become extremely competitive, with fast-growing local players and rapidly changing customer expectations around pricing, logistics, and mobile shopping.
As of 2025, Turkey’s e-commerce scene is dominated by large marketplaces such as Trendyol, Hepsiburada, Amazon Türkiye, N11, and Sahibinden.com. Trendyol alone now holds an estimated 35-40% market share, while the total e-commerce market volume in Turkey is projected to reach over $93 billion USD in 2025. In this environment, eBay chose to focus on its core markets instead of continuing to invest in Gittigidiyor.
For long-time users, the closure was more than just a corporate decision; it meant losing a familiar interface and established seller ratings. Many small businesses had to migrate quickly to other marketplaces to keep their online sales going.
About Gittigidiyor (Before Closure)
Gittigidiyor was a subsidiary of the famous eBay shopping site. Launched in 2001, it was one of Turkey’s oldest online shopping sites and played a major role in popularizing e-commerce in the country.
At its peak, Gittigidiyor was considered one of the most preferred e-commerce sites in Turkey, with nearly 100,000 dealers and millions of registered users. The platform’s scale made it a key marketplace for both everyday shoppers and professional sellers.
Gittigidiyor offered millions of products in a wide range of 50 categories, from electronics to home decoration, from cosmetics to mother, baby products, and from fashion to supermarket items.
Gittigidiyor’s Place in Turkey’s E-Commerce History
When Gittigidiyor launched in 2001, online shopping in Turkey was still very new. Over the following decades, the market matured, smartphones became widespread, and Turkish consumers embraced digital payments and fast delivery models.
Today, mobile commerce accounts for roughly 72% of all e-commerce sales in Turkey, and shoppers expect same-day or next-day delivery. Marketplaces such as Trendyol and Hepsiburada have built sophisticated logistics networks (like Trendyol Express and Hepsijet) to meet this demand. Gittigidiyor is remembered as a pioneer that helped prepare the ground for the current generation of Turkish e-commerce giants.
Best Alternatives to Gittigidiyor in 2025
If you used to shop or sell on Gittigidiyor, here are the main platforms that now fill a similar role in Turkey’s e-commerce ecosystem:
- Trendyol: The undisputed market leader. It is especially strong in fashion, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), and home products. With a market share hovering around 40%, it is the go-to app for most Turkish consumers.
- Hepsiburada: One of the oldest Turkish e-commerce sites, often compared to Amazon for its reliability in electronics and technology. It offers extensive logistics through Hepsijet and remains the second-largest player in the market.
- Amazon Türkiye: Since its launch, Amazon has steadily grown its presence (approx. 6% share). It is favored for its Prime benefits, customer service, and reliable return policies, filling the “trust” gap left by Gittigidiyor.
- Sahibinden.com: Literally meaning “from the owner,” this site is culturally significant in Turkey. While traditionally for real estate and cars, it is the primary destination for second-hand electronics and furniture, critical in an economy with high inflation.
- N11: A multi-category marketplace known for competitive prices and coupons, similar to the open-marketplace feel Gittigidiyor once had.
Tips for Foreigners: Shopping in Turkey (2025 Update)
If you are a foreigner who previously heard about Gittigidiyor as “eBay Turkey” and now want to shop from Turkish websites, the landscape has changed significantly in the last few years. Here are the critical updates for 2025:
- Strict Customs Limits (The “Temu Law”): In August 2024, Turkey drastically reduced the duty-free customs limit for international personal orders from €150 to just €30. Additionally, tax rates on non-EU imports (like those from China) increased to 60%. This makes ordering cheap goods from abroad very difficult.
- High Electronics Prices: Due to special consumption taxes, electronics in Turkey are among the most expensive in the world. For example, an iPhone 17 Pro Max can cost upwards of 117,000 TL (approx. $2,740 USD), which is more than double the US price. Always check iPhone 16 prices in Turkey or similar guides before committing to a purchase.
- Payment Methods: As of late 2025, Apple Pay is still NOT supported in Turkey due to banking regulations. You will need to use physical cards or local apps.
- Student Exemptions: A new proposal in late 2025 aims to allow university students to buy electronics tax-free once, potentially saving 30-40%. If you are a foreign student in Turkey, keep an eye on this legislation.
- Buying Phones: If you plan to buy a phone locally, read our guide on buying an iPhone from Turkey to understand the registration (IMEI) requirements and tax implications.
Turkey’s e-commerce sector continues to grow, with the USD/TRY exchange rate hovering around 42.66 and inflation cooling to approximately 26-31% annually. While Gittigidiyor is gone, shoppers today benefit from faster delivery and better mobile apps, though they must navigate higher prices and stricter import rules.
Conclusion
Gittigidiyor played a historic role in Turkey’s e-commerce journey as one of the country’s first and most trusted online marketplaces. The platform officially closed in 2022, leaving its users to migrate to newer giants like Trendyol, Hepsiburada, and Amazon Türkiye.
While you can no longer buy or sell on Gittigidiyor, you can still enjoy a rich online shopping environment. By understanding the current market leaders and being aware of 2025’s economic realities, like the €30 customs limit and high tech prices, you can navigate the Turkish market effectively.
