rekabet

Rekabet, or competition, is the rivalry among entities to attain a greater share of a resource or market. In Turkish usage, rekabet is the standard term for competition and is central to discussions of markets, regulation, and policy. In economics, competition describes a market environment where many buyers and sellers trade a homogeneous or similar product, and free entry and exit constrain any single actor from wielding lasting market power. Under such conditions prices tend to reflect marginal costs, quality improves, and innovation is encouraged. Market structures range from perfect competition to monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and monopoly, with greater competitive pressure generally associated with more efficient outcomes.

Competition law and policy seek to preserve contestability and prevent anti-competitive conduct. Common prohibitions include price-fixing, bid rigging, market division, and abuse of a dominant position; mergers and acquisitions that substantially lessen competition may be challenged. In Turkey, the Rekabet Kurumu enforces national competition law; many other jurisdictions maintain similar authorities, such as the European Commission and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice.

Beyond law, rekabet shapes business strategy, consumer choice, and technological progress. Firms compete through price, product differentiation, service, branding, and network effects, while regulators evaluate harms such as reduced innovation or higher consumer costs. Critics note that some competition mechanisms can be costly or imperfect, and that coordination can sometimes yield efficiency in certain industries, though such arrangements are often regulated.