Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary at ICANN81 in Istanbul!

Celebrate Our 20th Anniversary at ICANN81 in Istanbul!

We’re excited to announce that Domainsbot will be attending the ICANN81 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Türkiye! This six-day event, running from November 9 to 14, 2024, at the Istanbul Congress Center (ICC), promises to bring together the global internet community to discuss critical issues around the Domain Name System (DNS), including capacity building and leadership training sessions. It’s a key event where the new members of the ICANN Board of Directors will take their seats. It also happens to be a place we’ll be celebrating our 20th anniversary – we’ve come a long way, baby!

ICANN81 is a prime opportunity to network, learn, and engage with others in the domain industry. To make sure you’re prepared, check out the ICANN official website here for all the details you need about the event location, transportation options, nearby hotels, and any Turkey travel visa entry requirements.

As you plan your schedule, make sure to Book a meeting with our team

But as you know, ICANN81 isn’t always just about work – it also presents an excellent chance to explore one of the world’s most fascinating cities with your industry colleagues: Istanbul!
And did you know our CEO and Chief Data Scientist, Emiliano Pasqualetti, calls Turkey home? With his insights to the city and country’s culture, we have captured some helpful info to help you get the most out of your visit.

Most importantly, make sure to hit us up for a VIP invite to our 20th Anniversary Karaoke Party. With a limited guest-list, you KNOW the party will book out and be one to remember! Send us a message to get your added before we share publicly and be a celebration insider 🙂

10 Must-Do Things in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city where East meets West, blending rich history, stunning architecture, and a bustling modern culture. Here’s our guide to the 10 must-do things to make the most of your time in this incredible city:

1. Hagia Sophia: One of the most iconic buildings in the world, this former cathedral and mosque is now a museum. Its massive dome and intricate mosaics are a marvel to behold.
2. Topkapi Palace: Once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is a sprawling complex with lavish rooms, courtyards, and stunning views of the Bosphorus.
3. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): A breathtaking sight with its six minarets and blue-tiled interior, this mosque is still active, so plan your visit around prayer times.
4. Grand Bazaar: A shopping experience like no other! Wander through the maze-like corridors of one of the world’s oldest covered markets, filled with everything from spices to textiles to jewelry.
5. Basilica Cistern: This underground water reservoir from Byzantine times is an eerie and atmospheric spot, famous for its forest of columns and the mysterious Medusa heads.
6. Bosphorus Cruise: Take a boat tour along the Bosphorus to see Istanbul from a different perspective, passing by beautiful palaces, historic homes, and iconic landmarks.
7. Taksim Square & Istiklal Street: Explore modern Istanbul by visiting this lively area packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the city’s cultural and nightlife hub.
8. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): If you’re a foodie, don’t miss this bustling market filled with aromatic spices, dried fruits, nuts, and Turkish delights.
9. Galata Tower: Climb this medieval stone tower for panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset.
10. Chora Church: Known for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes, this lesser-known gem offers a quieter alternative to the big tourist sites.

Must Eats!

You’re already asking us for recommendations, so here you go! Read on for all the delicious details 🙂

1. While you really can’t go wrong with the dining in Istanbul, here is a personal favorite of Emiliano’s: Mikla Restaurant! Gaining a Micheline star in both 2023 and 2024, you are in for a treat if you can get a reservation!
2. 360 Istanbul: As you would guess, the restaurant offers 360-degree views of the city from its rooftop location. The restaurant blends Turkish flavors with international influences and offers an extensive menu, including sushi, pizza, and contemporary Turkish dishes. It’s a great place for dinner, catching up with colleagues and drinks with a view.
3. Pandeli: For a taste of classic Turkish cuisine in a historic setting, visit Pandeli. Located above the Spice Bazaar, this restaurant has been serving up traditional dishes since 1901. Don’t miss their lamb dishes or the famed stuffed eggplant, a Turkish classic. Pandeli is perfect for a more traditional, yet still refined, dining experience – and the room is beautiful.
4. Neolokal: For a special and high end night, check out this restaurant whose goal is to preserve and update Turkey’s culinary heritage. The food is creative and beautifully presented, with an ever-evolving menu that reflects the season’s best offerings. Simply beautiful.

Embrace the Local Culture

Istanbul’s unique position as a bridge between Europe and Asia creates a culture that is as diverse as it is fascinating. Turkish hospitality is world-renowned, and you’ll find that locals are warm, friendly, and proud of their culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Turkish tea or coffee while chatting with locals – these are rituals deeply ingrained in daily life.

Food is central to Turkish culture, and you’ll want to try dishes like kebabs, baklava, meze, and the famous Turkish breakfast, which consists of an array of small dishes that range from cheeses and olives to jams and fresh bread. Be sure to leave room for Turkish delight (Lokum) and a refreshing glass of Ayran, a traditional yogurt drink. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it!

Celebrate Domainsbot’s 20th Anniversary at Our Karaoke Night!

This year marks a significant milestone for Domainsbot—we’re celebrating 20 years of empowering businesses with cutting-edge domain data solutions! To commemorate this special occasion, we’re throwing an extra special Karaoke Night on Wednesday, November 13th, starting at 10:00 pm. This is the perfect chance to unwind, have some fun, and belt out your favorite tunes with colleagues and friends, all while helping us celebrate our 20 years of service and data contributions to our wonderful industry and partners!

First 2 drinks are on us for all reserved guests, so make sure to get there early. We’re expecting this event to book out, so be sure to reach out to us to reserve your spot before we open spaces up to publicly. It’s going to be a night to remember, and we’d love to celebrate this huge milestone with you!

Don’t Miss Out!

ICANN81 in Istanbul is an event you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re attending the sessions, the leadership training, important meetings, and a little city excitement, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to block off your calendar for November 9-14, and don’t forget to register for Domainsbot’s 20th Anniversary Karaoke Night on November 13th.

We look forward to seeing you in Istanbul and celebrating 20 amazing years of Domainsbot with all of you!