The Top-Level Domain (TLD) code for Istanbul, a city that spans two continents in Turkey, is .istanbul. Top-Level Domains (TLD) are generally the last segment of a domain name -used after the last dot. They are essential elements of the Domain Name System (DNS) which helps standardize the naming mechanism for all internet resources.
The domain extension .istanbul was officially assigned in December 2014 as one of the new geographic TLDs approved by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is the organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of databases related to the namespaces of the Internet. The endorsement and administration of this TLD are handled by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Medya A.Ş. Its primary intended users are entities connected with Istanbul city, including government bodies, businesses, organizations, and residents.
The .istanbul TLD, as a geoTLD, assists in promoting the city of Istanbul, along with endorsing local businesses, culture, tourism, and institutions. A clear example of this implementation can be seen in the official Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality website (https://www.ibb.istanbul/). Another example is the Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (https://en.icvb.istanbul/), a platform designed to promote Istanbul as a convention and meeting destination.
The adoption of .istanbul aligns the city with other .city TLDs like .NYC for New York City, or .berlin for the German capital, Berlin. This phenomenon emerged due to the ever-growing demand for more personalized domain extensions. It is seen as a strategy to enhance local identity, improve online visibility, and make it easier for internet users to find city-specific information or services.
In terms of its advantages, a local business with a .istanbul TLD will stand out from their competition by having a domain name that is easily recognizable and memorable to potential customers. It gives the website a stronger localization, making it easier for local customers to find and interact with it.
However, usage of .istanbul TLD is still considered low when compared to gTLDs (.com, .net, etc.). This can be due to users’ unfamiliarity with city-based TLDs or because businesses might find it too specific and limiting.
Sources:
1. ICANN. (2014) ‘.ISTANBUL Agreement Appendix S: Specification 5 – Schedule of Reserved Names’.
2. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Official Website – ibb.istanbul.
3. Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau. Official Website – icvb.istanbul.
4. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Domain Name Process and Guidelines.
5. Sedo GmbH.(2018) ‘The new Dimension of Domain Names’. Sedo’s Domain Market Study 2018.
