Istanbul gets its own Internet domain name

İstanbul, which is renowned for its rich history and culture got its own internet domain names .istanbul and .ist following the signing of a protocol between the Municipality of Istanbul and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Starting Wednesday, domain names designated for Istanbul will be available, ICANN’s vice president David Olive said, and added that ‘everybody will know Istanbul soon.’

Istanbul mayor Kadir Topbaş also praised the initiative and said that it is an innovative project which will make Istanbul a national brand.

Topbaş noted that the domain names will be available for public institutions after March, followed by organizations and foundations. He added that individual applications will be accepted after May 10.

Istanbul mayor’s personal website has been changed as kadirtopbas.istanbul as a surprise and he said that everyone else who would like to get their own website with .istanbul can do so from now on.