Istanbul, January 20, 2026 – The Europe Today: Istanbul’s first boycott market, “Free Gazza,” has opened in the city’s Beylikduzu district, reflecting a growing movement that targets brands linked to Israel while promoting local production and what organizers describe as conscious consumer choices.
The market, whose name echoes the Turkish spelling of Gaza, Gazze, began operating last month. According to its founders, it does not sell products associated with Zionism, instead prioritizing locally produced goods and items considered consistent with boycott principles.
Naile Aktas, the manager of the shop, told Anadolu Agency that the idea emerged amid calls to take action against Israeli actions in Gaza.
“At least we said, ‘Let’s not buy their products, let’s cut off their money,’” Aktas said, adding that the market opened at a time when the importance of local and national production is increasingly being recognized.
Aktas said the market is collectively owned by its supporters rather than a single individual, with contributors donating what they could, ranging from small items such as jewelry to cash.
“The market doesn’t belong to one person, it belongs to all of us,” she said. “Free Gazza is the market of all boycott supporters.”
She explained that the market focuses primarily on local products, which she described as capital that returns to and strengthens the public. Imported goods are sold only if they are not linked to Israel, with local alternatives given priority.
Aktas noted that public awareness of boycotts has increased, with customers increasingly applying their own criteria when shopping.
“If a local brand has excessively high prices, we don’t stock it,” she said. “It’s not enough that a product doesn’t support Zionism; it must also align with the public’s understanding of boycott.”
She added that the market’s English name was chosen to reach audiences beyond Türkiye, expressing hope that the concept could expand internationally.
“Right now, we are a single drop, but we are destined to become a vast ocean,” she said, emphasizing the goal of raising global awareness by opening similar markets elsewhere.
An employee at the market, Muhammed Inan, said the initiative places strong emphasis on customer trust and transparency. He noted that the store sells local products and meat from halal slaughter.
“People say we save them the trouble of researching, and now they can shop with peace of mind,” Inan said, adding that customers travel from across Istanbul to support Gaza, local producers and the market itself.
Inan said he believes similar initiatives could grow worldwide, encouraging consumers to support local companies and humanitarian causes through their purchasing decisions.
One customer, who asked not to be identified, said recent events had increased awareness of how widespread certain brands linked to Israel were in their household. The customer said they now try to avoid purchasing such products whenever possible, adding that while explaining boycotts to children can be challenging, family members have begun to understand the reasons and welcomed the opportunity to shop without concern, even if the market is not close to their home.
