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ICANN's Visit to Turkey: A Step Towards Domain Name Expansion

In February 2026, Kurtis Lindqvist, the President and CEO of ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), visited Turkey to discuss the upcoming opportunities related to the expansion of domain names set to occur in 2026. This visit marked a crucial juncture as the global internet community gears up for a new round of domain name applications with the introduction of Novel Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs).

Understanding the 2026 Domain Name Expansion

The 2026 domain name expansion is particularly exciting as it opens the door for organizations to apply for domain names that represent new extensions, beyond the traditional .com and .org. This represents the first opportunity to secure new domain name extensions in over a decade. These new top-level domains can encapsulate a variety of representations— from cities to industries, and even to community identities. By broadening the domain name space, the initiative aims to foster increased competition and choice in the digital marketplace.

Lindqvist's discussions during his two-day visit revolved around how Turkish businesses, institutions, and internet stakeholders can leverage these new domain opportunities. According to him, the introduction of these innovative domain extensions offers Turkish companies a unique avenue to enhance brand visibility and recognition on a global scale.

Opportunities for Turkish Businesses

For Turkish enterprises, the 2026 domain expansion carries significant implications. Businesses have the potential to bolster their brand identities and increase their visibility in the digital marketplace. Industry groups and enterprises can create domain names that resonate with their sector identities, while communities can harness online platforms to strengthen their cultural and linguistic representations.

The ongoing roundtable discussions held in Istanbul included representatives from various sectors including business, academia, civil society, government, and technical communities. These discussions revolved around strategies that Turkish stakeholders can adopt to best prepare for the 2026 expansion and the overarching impacts of this participation on the nation’s economy.

Discussing Internet Security and Coordination

Lindqvist also met with Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Turkey's Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, where they explored Turkey's readiness for the upcoming expansion. The dialogue also delved into ICANN's essential role in coordinating domain names and IP addresses on a global scale. Maintaining a stable, secure, and interoperable internet was recognized as a pressing priority as they discussed incorporating national perspectives into global technical coordination processes.

The Role of ICANN in the Region

Turkey is home to ICANN's Middle East and Africa regional office, which plays a vital role in supporting communication and capacity-building initiatives with stakeholders both within Turkey and across the broader region. This local presence not only facilitates collaboration but also fosters awareness regarding the importance of participation in global internet governance processes.

As the preparations for the 2026 expansion move forward, ICANN will continue its consultations with governments, businesses, and technical communities worldwide. This ongoing dialogue is essential for keeping stakeholders informed about participation and readiness.

The months ahead stand to be significant for stakeholders in Turkey as they review opportunities and determine how they wish to engage with the forthcoming global domain name expansion. The discussions, dialogues, and preparations undertaken in solidarity will ultimately shape Turkey's presence in the evolving digital landscape.

About ICANN

Founded in 1998, ICANN's mission focuses on facilitating a secure, stable, and unified global internet. By overseeing the coordination of unique identifiers worldwide, ICANN ensures that network addresses remain unique and accessible. The organization operates as a nonprofit corporation, dedicated to serving the public interest and comprising a diverse community of stakeholders globally.