Information About the .TR Domain Zone

Overview of the .tr Domain Zone

The .tr domain zone is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Turkey. It is primarily intended for entities associated with Turkey, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. The .tr domain serves as a digital identifier for Turkish websites, promoting local presence and identity in the online space.

Historical Context

The .tr domain was established in 1990, during the early days of the internet in Turkey. The initiative for creating the .tr domain was led by the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, which was responsible for the administration of the domain until 1997.

Administration

Today, the .tr domain zone is managed by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) of Turkey. This governmental body oversees the registration and management of the .tr domain, ensuring compliance with national regulations and international standards. The ICTA works in conjunction with various national and international organizations to maintain the integrity and security of the domain zone.

Registration Policy

Registration of .tr domains is open to a wide range of applicants, including individuals, corporations, and organizations. However, there are specific requirements:

• Applicants must have a local presence in Turkey.
• Foreign entities can register a .tr domain if they have a registered trademark in Turkey.

The procedure for obtaining a .tr domain involves the following steps:

1. Select a domain name that is available.
2. Choose a registrar accredited by the ICTA.
3. Complete the registration form and provide necessary documentation.
4. Pay the registration fee.

Technical Parameters

The .tr domain zone supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing for the registration of domain names in Turkish characters. The technical specifications for .tr domains include:

• Allowed length: Domain names can range from 2 to 63 characters.
• Permitted characters: Domain names may include letters (a-z), digits (0-9), and hyphens (-), but cannot start or end with a hyphen.
• DNS Features: The .tr domain zone employs a robust DNS infrastructure to ensure reliability and performance.

Reputation and Security

Like many domain zones, .tr has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. To combat these issues, the ICTA has implemented several security measures:

• DNSSEC: The .tr domain zone supports DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to enhance the security of domain name resolution.
• Complaint-based Locking: Domains can be locked or suspended based on complaints regarding abuse or infringement.

Commercial Metrics

The .tr domain zone has experienced steady growth in the number of registered domains over the years. As of October 2023, there are over 1.5 million registered .tr domains. The cost of registration and renewal for .tr domains varies by registrar but typically ranges from $10 to $50 per year, depending on the domain type and registrar policies.

Additionally, premium domains are available within the .tr zone, often commanding higher prices due to their desirability and potential for branding.

Conclusion

The .tr domain zone plays a crucial role in establishing Turkey's online presence. With its robust administrative framework, security measures, and growing registration metrics, it continues to support the digital landscape of Turkey effectively.