New Era on Domain Names in the 'a.tr' Structure

Turkish Information Technologies and Communication Authority (ITCA) published a decision regarding the “Principles and Procedures for Allocation of Domain Names in the 'a.tr' Structure” and the “Fees for Domain Names in the 'a.tr' Structure.” (Decision) on 25 August 2023. The key importance of Decision is that ITCA will now allow the allocation of domain names similar to “a.tr” under certain criteria.

Decision regulates the allocation procedures for domain names in the “a.tr” structure and the rules and procedures that will apply to the process.

Currently, domain names in structures like “gov.tr”, “com.tr”, “org.tr”, etc., can be allocated. In addition to domain names in this structure, domain names in the “a.tr” structure (e.g., google.tr) will also be allocatable in the near future.

We have summarized significant aspects related to the allocation of domain names in the “a.tr” structure according to Decision:

• The decision establishes a prioritization order for the allocation of domain names with the '.tr' extension. During prioritization, allocation processes will be conducted in three different categories as follows:

1^st Category: In the initial allocation processes, domain names allocated to public institutions and organizations and entities whose capital is more than half publicly owned as of the effective date will be prioritized. After ITCA announces the completion of this process on its website, allocation processes for the second category will begin.

2^nd Category: Public-interest professional organizations with 'org.tr' domain names, public benefit associations and foundations, and worker and employer professional organizations will be prioritized. After ITCA announces the completion of this process on its website, allocation processes for the third category will begin.

3^rd Category: In this category, priority will be given to domain name owners based on extensions. Those who own domain names with extensions such as 'kep.tr,' 'av.tr,' 'dr.tr,' 'com.tr,' 'org.tr,' 'net.tr,' 'gen.tr,' 'web.tr,' 'name.tr,' 'info.tr,' 'tv.tr,' 'bbs.tr,' and 'tel.tr.' will be prioritized.

• The application collection period will be three months from the date of ITCA's announcement regarding the prioritization of domain name ownership based on extensions on its website, and applications will be submitted during this period.
• After the completion of the allocation processes for the aforementioned categories, the “first-come, first-served” rule will apply to domain names in the 'a.tr' structure.

The rules and procedures for the allocation of domain names in the 'a.tr' structure came into effect on 14 September 2023. Although the mentioned announcements have not yet been published, it is expected that ITCA will make a statement or announcement on the subject in the near future. It is important to monitor the developments since the timing is determined by said announcements.