As of the current time, there is no top-level domain (TLD) named ‘.ist.’ In fact, the list of all top-level domains is closely regulated and updated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which is a function performed under contract with the U.S. government by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). According to the latest data from IANA on its website, no TLD named ‘.ist’ exist on the list.
Top-level domains are part of the internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). They are the letters that follow the final dot in an internet address. For example, in ‘www.example.com’, ‘com’ is the TLD. TLDs fall into several categories, including country-code TLDs (ccTLDs), generic TLDs (gTLDs), sponsored TLDs (sTLDs), and infrastructure top-level domain.
Country-code TLDs are used, as mentioned, to represent a particular country or a geographical location. Some examples include .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, and .eu for the European Union. Generic TLDs include domains like .com, .net, .org, etc., while sponsored TLDs are a specialized category with a sponsor demonstrating responsibility for the infrastructure. Examples include .aero, .asia, .cat, etc.
If a ‘.ist’ TLD were to exist, it might be reasonable to assume that it would have some connection with Istanbul, just as ‘.nyc’ is a top-level domain for New York City, or it could be associated with a specific company, organization, or brand if it were a sponsored TLD. Until such an allocation takes place, however, ‘.ist’ does not exist as a TLD.
As this domain does not currently exist, any potential technical description would be purely speculative. Nonetheless, the creation of new TLDs is a complex process managed by ICANN. It requires a lengthy application involving detailed technical specifications, as well as ample financial resources. Once approved, the new TLD needs to be supported across the internet, which is a technical undertaking that demands significant expertise and coordination.
To conclude, there is currently no ‘.ist’ TLD according to the latest data from IANA. The processes concerning TLD creation, allocation, and management are managed by ICANN, a non-profit organization. Future updates regarding new TLDs can be accessed directly from their website.
Sources:
1. IANA Root Zone Database (https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt)
2. ICANN (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/tlds-2012-02-25-en)
3. Explanation of TLDs by Webopedia (https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/T/TLD.html)
