The .ISTANBUL domain is a geographic top-level domain (geoTLD) designed for individuals, businesses, and organizations connected to Istanbul. Whether you’re promoting tourism, culture, or a local business, this extension gives your site an immediate identity linked to one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Tips for Registering a .ISTANBUL Domain
- Keep It Short & Memorable
- Use clear, simple words tied to your brand or service.
- Example:
Cafe.istanbulorEvents.istanbulis easier to remember than long combinations.
- Highlight Local Relevance
- Perfect for businesses targeting Istanbul residents or visitors.
- Example:
Taxi.istanbul,Tours.istanbul,Hotels.istanbul.
- Use Keywords Wisely
- Add descriptive industry keywords to improve SEO.
- Example:
Dentist.istanbulorLawyer.istanbul.
- Protect Your Brand
- If you already own a .com, consider securing the .istanbul to prevent competitors from using your brand locally.
- Target Niche Markets
- Ideal for cultural initiatives, NGOs, festivals, or e-commerce aimed at Istanbul.
- Example:
Filmfest.istanbul,Startup.istanbul.
- Redirect or Localize
- You can redirect .istanbul to your main .com website or use it for city-specific landing pages, like tourism campaigns.
Who Should Consider .ISTANBUL?
- Local Businesses: Restaurants, hotels, shops, taxis, real estate.
- Tourism & Travel Companies: Travel agencies, guides, event organizers.
- Cultural Institutions: Museums, festivals, art galleries.
- Startups & Tech Events: Especially those hosted in Istanbul.
- Expats & Communities: Platforms serving international audiences living in Istanbul.
Pros & Cons of .ISTANBUL
Pros
- Strong local branding & identity.
- Higher chance of getting exact match domains.
- Builds trust with Istanbul-focused audiences.
Cons
- Lower recognition outside Turkey.
- Smaller aftermarket resale potential compared to .com.
- Best suited for region-specific projects.
Bottom Line:
Choose .ISTANBUL if your brand is rooted in Istanbul or if you want to attract people traveling to or living in the city. For international credibility, pair it with a .com domain and use .istanbul for local authenticity and campaigns.