ICANN's 2026 Domain Expansion Push Targets Turkish Digital Economy

Event summary

  • ICANN CEO Kurtis Lindqvist visited Istanbul to discuss 2026 domain expansion opportunities with Turkish stakeholders.
  • The 2026 New gTLD Program round will allow organizations to apply for new domain name endings beyond .com or .org.
  • Turkish businesses and institutions can use new domains for brand protection, sector identity, and cultural representation.
  • ICANN's Middle East and Africa regional office is based in Istanbul, supporting stakeholder engagement in the region.

The big picture

The 2026 New gTLD Program represents the first major expansion of domain name options in over a decade, potentially reshaping digital branding and online presence strategies. ICANN's engagement with Turkish stakeholders highlights the strategic importance of regional participation in maintaining a stable and interoperable Internet. The initiative could drive competition and choice in the domain name system, with implications for global digital economies.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
How ICANN will balance global coordination with national perspectives in the 2026 Round.
Market Adoption
The pace at which Turkish businesses and institutions will apply for new domain endings.
Regulatory Alignment
Whether Türkiye's readiness will influence other regional stakeholders' participation.