In recent years, a new trend has emerged in Turkey: Mezunum Satıyorum, which translates to "I am selling my graduation." The phrase has gained popularity across various online platforms and marketplaces, representing the practice of selling items related to one's academic life, such as graduation caps, gowns, textbooks, and even certificates. While the concept may seem unusual to some, it reflects broader cultural, economic, and social shifts occurring within Turkish society.

What Does "Mezunum Satıyorum" Entail?

When individuals use the phrase Mezunum Satıyorum, they are typically offering for sale various memorabilia or materials they accumulated during their academic journey. This can include:

1. Graduation Gowns and Caps: Many Turkish students opt to sell their graduation attire after their ceremonies, as these items are often used only once. Instead of keeping them as sentimental mementos, some prefer to pass them on to others, helping new graduates save money on what can be expensive purchases.

2. Textbooks and Study Materials: Students who have completed their university degrees often sell textbooks, lecture notes, and study guides that helped them through their studies. These items are of great value to current students who may be preparing for the same exams or courses.

3. Certificates and Diplomas (Symbolic Sales): In a more symbolic sense, some individuals even offer to "sell" their certificates or diplomas as a way of expressing frustration with the job market. Though the documents themselves are not transferred in a legal sense, this aspect of Mezunum Satıyorum underscores the struggles of graduates facing unemployment or underemployment despite having academic credentials.

The Rise of Second-hand Markets and Online Platforms

The rise of the Mezunum SatıyoruM trend can be attributed to the growing popularity of second-hand markets in Turkey. Online platforms such as Letgo, Sahibinden, and Facebook Marketplace have provided spaces where individuals can easily buy and sell items. These platforms are widely used for various purposes, from furniture to electronics, and now, academic-related materials have found their place as well.

One of the main reasons this trend has taken off is the desire to minimize waste and promote sustainability. Many people, especially younger generations, are increasingly adopting the idea of reusing and recycling. Instead of buying new items that will only be used once, students prefer to purchase second-hand products from their peers. This not only saves money but also aligns with environmentally conscious values.

Economic Factors Behind the Trend

Turkey’s economic challenges over recent years have also contributed to the popularity of Mezunum Satıyorum. With inflation and high unemployment rates affecting young graduates, many are looking for ways to make extra money. Selling their academic items is a small yet effective way to do so. Additionally, buying second-hand is an attractive option for current students who are also facing financial constraints.

Moreover, the Mezunum Satıyorum phenomenon reflects a deeper disillusionment among some Turkish graduates. After investing years in education and accruing significant student debt, many find themselves struggling to secure jobs that match their qualifications. In this context, selling graduation items becomes a symbolic act, expressing a sense of resignation or even frustration with the system.

The Cultural Impact

While Mezunum Satıyorum might seem like a simple financial transaction on the surface, it holds deeper cultural significance. In a society that places great value on education, the act of selling graduation items challenges traditional notions of success. It signals a shift in how younger generations view their academic achievements—not as the ultimate marker of success, but as just one step in a more complex journey toward finding stability and fulfillment.

In conclusion, Mezunum Satıyorum is more than just a trend of selling graduation items. It’s a reflection of economic realities, changing cultural values, and the evolving marketplace in Turkey. As it continues to gain momentum, it will likely serve as a symbol of both practicality and resistance in the face of societal and economic pressures.