After nearly nine years of independent journalism, Gazete Duvar has announced its closure, citing financial difficulties, rising operational costs, and the impact of global digital platforms on independent media. Founded in 2016 by Vedat Zencir, Gazete Duvar quickly became one of Turkey’s most respected alternative news outlets, committed to critical and independent reporting at a time when mainstream media fell increasingly under government influence.
In his farewell article, Gazete Duvar’s founder Vedat Zencir pointed to a severe decline in advertising revenue, worsened by Google’s algorithm changes and Turkey’s deepening economic crisis. He emphasised that continuing under these conditions would have required further sacrifices from journalists, a burden they were unwilling to impose. “If we had not made this decision now, we would soon have faced conditions that would disrupt our newsroom’s stability,” he wrote.
The Turkey Journalists’ Union (TGS), which has been organising at Gazete Duvar for six years, also commented on the closure, stating: “The reason is the economic impasse affecting all independent and alternative media.” The union pledged to continue defending the rights of journalists affected by the shutdown.
Gazete Duvar launched on 8 August 2016, during one of Turkey’s most turbulent political periods, following the failed coup attempt and subsequent state of emergency. Since then, it has covered key developments in politics, human rights, labour struggles, international affairs, and the Kurdish issue, often amplifying voices overlooked by mainstream media. The outlet also operated in an increasingly repressive media landscape, where independent journalists faced intimidation, arrests, and legal threats. While Gazete Duvar itself was not directly shut down by the government, its reporters worked under the constant pressure of Turkey’s restrictive press environment, where dozens of journalists have been detained or prosecuted in recent years.
In his farewell article, Barış Avşar, Gazete Duvar’s General Publishing Director, reflected on the platform’s journey, emphasising that, despite the challenges, they always remained true to their journalistic principles. “We never published a story that made us question our conscience or courage. We never allowed political or commercial interests to dictate our journalism,” he wrote. He recalled the landmark moments Gazete Duvar covered, from the dismissal of the Academics for Peace to Turkey’s constitutional referendum, military operations, elections, and the 6 February earthquakes, as well as global events such as the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza, and the rise of right-wing politics in the United States. He also warned that Google’s growing control over news visibility—an issue that has affected many independent media outlets globally—was a major factor in the decision to close.
Gazete Duvar’s journalists issued their own statement, rejecting the idea that their closure was a defeat. “Gazete Duvar was once a beautiful possibility, and it created a wave of hope,” they wrote. “We have not been defeated. Perhaps we only went too far.” They acknowledged the challenges of sustaining independent journalism in Turkey, where censorship, political pressure, and financial difficulties often force media outlets to shut down. Despite this, they expressed confidence that the fight for independent journalism would continue.
Gazete Duvar’s closure marks a major loss for Turkey’s already shrinking space for free press. At Medya News, we have frequently referenced their work and shared their commitment to truth and journalistic integrity. Their absence leaves a significant gap in Turkey’s media landscape, yet the dedication and perseverance of its journalists ensure that their impact will continue in new ways.
As Gazete Duvar bids farewell, its legacy of independent journalism remains, and the pursuit of truth will continue in new ways.
