Gittigidiyor (eBay Turkey) Closed: History & Best Alternatives

For over two decades, Gittigidiyor was the heartbeat of the Turkish internet. As a subsidiary of the American giant eBay, it wasn’t just a marketplace; it defined how a generation learned to trust online transactions. At its peak, with 85 million monthly visitors, a product was sold every single second.

But if you try to visit the site today, in December 2025, you will find nothing. The giant has fallen. However, the vacuum it left behind didn’t stay empty for long. The market has shifted aggressively, and for the savvy shopper, the alternatives are actually better.

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The Rise: What Was Gittigidiyor?

Founded in 2001, Gittigidiyor was a pioneer. It operated as a classic marketplace connecting buyers and sellers, much like its future parent company. Its growth was so explosive that eBay acquired a minority stake in 2007 and eventually took 93% control by 2011.

In its golden era, it hosted nearly 100,000 merchants and 31 million registered users. From electronics to vintage collectibles, it was the go-to hub. It successfully blended large brand official stores with small SME sellers, creating a unique diversity that few platforms have matched since.

The Fall: Why Did eBay Pull the Plug?

Gittigidiyor officially ceased operations in 2022.

To many outsiders, the decision felt abrupt. To industry insiders, it was inevitable. eBay cited “ongoing competitive dynamics” as the reason for their exit. In plain English? They were getting crushed.

While Gittigidiyor stuck to the old auction/listing model, agile competitors like Trendyol adopted the “Super App” modeloffering their own logistics, instant grocery delivery, and massive influencer marketing campaigns. eBay simply moved too slowly to keep up with the Turkish speed of commerce.

The Anatomy of the Shutdown

The closure wasn’t a sudden crash, but a controlled demolition:

• June 20, 2022: Sellers were blocked from listing new items.
• July 18, 2022: The “Buy” button was disabled. The marketplace effectively died this day.
• September 5, 2022: “My Account” access was revoked.

The E-Commerce Landscape in 2025/2026

The departure of eBay didn’t slow down the Turkish e-commerce engine; it poured gasoline on it. As we head into 2026, Turkey is one of Europe’s most electrifying digital markets, with trade volumes estimated between $70 and $90 billion.

The market is no longer fragmented; it is dominated by a few heavyweights:

• Trendyol: The undisputed king. Backed by Alibaba, it has its own delivery fleet (Trendyol Express) and dominates fashion, food, and tech.
• Hepsiburada: The “Turkish Amazon” before Amazon arrived. Strong in electronics and appliances, their “Premium” subscription is a staple for locals.
• Amazon Türkiye: Since entering the market, Amazon has played the long game. They focus on what local competitors often lack: unparalleled customer service and a hassle-free return policy.
• Sahibinden: The ultimate classifieds board. If you are looking for second-hand items, real estate, or vehicles, this is the place. It’s essential for big ticket itemscheck our guide on Buying a Car in Turkey as a Foreigner to understand how high value transactions work here.

Curator’s Choice: The Best Alternatives by Category

Stop looking for a “Gittigidiyor clone.” Instead, use the platform that specializes in what you need.

Electronics & Tech

For high value tech like laptops or phones, I recommend Amazon Türkiye or Hepsiburada. They offer the best protection against counterfeit goods. Be warned: tech prices in Turkey are significantly higher than abroad due to taxes. Before you buy, look at the reality of the market in our breakdown of iPhone 16 Prices in Turkey.

Fashion & Apparel

Trendyol is the volume leader here, but for reliable quality and basics, LC Waikiki remains a retail giant that has successfully pivoted to digital. It is the Turkish answer to Uniqlo or H&M. Read more about their dominance in The 2026 Guide to LC Waikiki.

Home Goods

Turkey is a textile powerhouse. For towels, bedding, and decor, skip the general marketplaces and go direct to brands like English Home or Madame Coco. Their online sales often beat in store prices significantly.

Beauty & Cosmetics

While Trendyol sells everything, specialized drugstores like Watsons and Gratis have robust apps with loyalty points that add up quickly. They are often safer bets for ensuring products are genuine and not grey market imports.

Safety Rules for 2026

Even without Gittigidiyor, Turkish e-commerce is safeif you follow these rules:

• Platform Protection: Stick to the “Big 3” (Trendyol, Amazon, Hepsiburada) for buyer protection. If a seller asks to take the conversation to WhatsApp, block them immediately.
• Check the Seller: On marketplaces, not all sellers are equal. Look for the “Authorized Seller” (Yetkili Satıcı) badge.
• 3D Secure is Mandatory: Never turn this off. It is the standard for credit card transactions in Turkey.
• Price Comparison: Inflation changes prices daily. Use comparison engines like Akakçe or Cimri before clicking buy.

The Verdict

Gittigidiyor is gone, and honestly, the market doesn’t miss it. The closure in 2022 marked the end of the “Auction Era” and the beginning of the “Super App Era.” With alternatives like Amazon offering better service and Trendyol offering better variety, your options in late 2025 are stronger than ever. Just remember: in the high inflation environment of Turkey, the price you see today might not be the price you see tomorrowso if you need it, buy it.