Spending with Purpose: How to Be a Mindful Consumer in Türkiye

Currently, people in Türkiye are protesting the arrest of the Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu through an economic boycott. This boycott was started by university students and quickly became a peaceful protest across the country. On April 2nd, thousands chose to stop shopping for the day—they didn’t buy anything, open their stores, or sell goods. This was about more than just the mayor’s arrest; it's linked to bigger issues like political pressure and the worry over democratic values, as people feel the government is getting too comfortable with their power on certain businesses. So, being a mindful shopper right now means thinking carefully about where you spend your money and what it could be backing.

The boycott is still going strong in different ways. While some people only joined for one day, many are sticking with it for the long haul, avoiding brands that support the government. Protests are ongoing at colleges and among activist groups. Starting from April 2nd, the economic boycott will take place once every 6 days. Small business owners in areas like Kadıköy and Beşiktaş are closing up on certain days or not selling products from companies aligned with government-friendly media. The movement also calls for people to ditch media outlets that act as mouthpieces for the state. Even though big business groups and government officials warn that the boycott could damage the economy, many believe it’s a needed way to express their frustration and demand accountability.

The great impact of the boycott is clearly shown by recent data. The increase in card spending in the week of 2 March-4 April, which also includes 4 April, which is the day of the Eid holiday and boycott, was measured at the slowest level of 4 years.

If you want to support the boycott in your everyday life, there are some easy actions you can take that really make a difference. One simple thing is to use cash instead of credit or debit cards. This helps keep your spending private and limits the power of banks that might be tied to government interests since digital payments can be tracked.

Shopping at local stores instead of big chains is another great move. It keeps your money in the community, helps local jobs, and stops it from going to huge companies that might support harmful policies. Before you buy something, check out who owns the brand, if they have any political ties or if they run ads on platforms that spread government messaging.

You might also want to look into options that help your local area, like farmers’ markets, where your cash goes straight to the people who grow your food. Buying second-hand stuff, taking part in clothing swaps, and supporting local craftspeople not only cuts down corporate profits but also helps the environment. If you have something that is broken, you can try to fix it at a local shop rather than purchasing something new from a big store.

You can also seek out independent media for news and entertainment in place of government-funded mainstream media. Your grocery shopping can also be a form of resistance; shopping at co-ops or small markets gives some power back to local producers. Passing along tips on boycott-friendly purchases to friends and on social media can help spread the word. Every choice you make, no matter how small, is adding to a greater cry for democracy and accountability.

That has made it so many individuals in Türkiye understand that their shopping choices truly have an impact. Where they send their dollars has become a tool to defy what they feel is an unjust system. Boycotts are unlikely to win over the hearts and minds in an instant, but they have the ability to precipitate cultural and economic shifts eventually. By acting together and standing together, citizens can demonstrate that not spending is a powerful political statement against inequality and for democracy.