Ekşi Sözlük: Turkey's Digital Memory

Ekşi Sözlük is one of Turkey's oldest and largest online collaborative dictionary platforms, functioning as a digital archive where users share insights, opinions, and experiences on a wide range of topics.

Described in an article as 'the amateur and rebellious spirit symbolized by a green pick,' Ekşi Sözlük was founded on February 15, 1999, by Sedat Kapanoğlu ('ssg') as a sub-page of his personal website, Sourtimes.org. It broke away from the traditional dictionary concept, focusing instead on the personal opinions, experiences, and humor of its writers (known as 'susers') rather than absolute truth. Initially seen as a 'virtual sanctuary' and 'space for freedom,' the platform arguably evolved over time into a profit-oriented company accused of 'exploiting labor.' Nevertheless, it continues to house Turkey's 'most striking, most raw, and indispensable digital memory.'

The article examines Ekşi Sözlük's quarter-century transformation and its place in digital culture, covering its founding philosophy, its striking warnings like 'None of the information written on this site is true,' and its book published under the slogan 'Holy Source of Information.' Ekşi Sözlük is not just a source of information; by creating a unique social group called 'dictionary writers,' it has provided an opportunity for them to develop their own moral compass, truths, and culture.