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NewsThe Miami HurricaneJune 7, 2026Miami-Dade

How a University of Miami Alumnus Built a Global Tourism Platform

This article profiles Koksal Abdurrahmanoglu, a University of Miami alumnus who founded Istanbul.com in 1995. The platform evolved from an informational website into a major tourism booking engine that now utilizes artificial intelligence.

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Why It Matters

The article highlights the historical evolution of digital tourism and the role of early internet entrepreneurship in shaping modern travel booking systems.

Key Facts

  • Koksal Abdurrahmanoglu launched Istanbul.com in 1995 while living in the United States.
  • Istanbul.com currently serves travelers from more than 175 countries.
  • The platform now uses artificial intelligence tools to assist travelers with trip planning.
  • Abdurrahmanoglu previously worked for Touch Guide, a company that created touchscreen kiosks for hotels and visitor centers.
  • Early challenges for the business included consumer hesitation regarding entering credit card information online.
  • The platform evolved from a cultural information site into a booking infrastructure for tours and local experiences.
  • Abdurrahmanoglu served as president of the Turkish Student Association at the University of Miami.

Who's Mentioned

personKoksal Abdurrahmanoglu“Founder of Istanbul.com and University of Miami alumnus.”organizationTouch Guide“A company that developed touchscreen tourism kiosks where Abdurrahmanoglu worked”organizationUniversity of Miami“The university where Abdurrahmanoglu studied and led the Turkish Student Associa”organizationIstanbul.com“A tourism platform founded in 1995.”