Cookie Policy
Last updated: 6 NOVEMBER 2025
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Istanbul.com (“we”, “our”, or “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. It also explains your rights and choices under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how your data is collected and used.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site function properly, improve your browsing experience, and provide insights to the site owners.
How We Use Cookies
- Enable the core functionality of the site
- Remember your preferences (such as language or currency)
- Understand how visitors interact with the website
- Deliver personalized offers and marketing relevant to you
Legal Basis:
- Strictly necessary cookies are processed on the basis of our legitimate interest in ensuring the website’s proper functionality.
- All other cookies (functional, analytics, marketing) are processed on the basis of your consent, which you can withdraw at any time.
Types of Cookies We Use
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website to function (e.g., login, checkout, security). Cannot be switched off.
- Functional / Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices, providing enhanced functionality.
- Analytics / Statistics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site, so we can improve performance and content.
- Marketing / Advertising Cookies: Deliver advertising relevant to your interests and measure the effectiveness of campaigns.
List of Cookies Used on Istanbul.com
Please see below for the cookies used, their provider, purpose, category, retention period, and whether they are mandatory or optional. (Includes third-party cookies like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, etc.)
5.1 Necessary Cookies (Mandatory)
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Retention | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
istanbul-auth-code |
Istanbul.com | User authentication and session management | Session | First-party |
istanbul-user-id |
Istanbul.com | User identification for personalized experience | 30 days | First-party |
istanbul-cart-id |
Istanbul.com | Shopping cart functionality and order processing | 7 days | First-party |
sbjs_session |
Sourcebuster | Session tracking for technical functionality | Session | First-party |
cc_cookie |
CookieConsent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 182 days | First-party |
__cf_bm |
Cloudflare | Bot management and security protection | 30 minutes | Third-party |
Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. You can opt out of these cookies through our cookie preference center.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Retention | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years | Third-party |
_ga_* |
Google Analytics | Used to persist session state | 2 years | Third-party |
_gid |
Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 24 hours | Third-party |
_gat |
Google Analytics | Throttles request rate | 1 minute | Third-party |
_clck |
Microsoft Clarity | Persists user ID and preferences | 1 year | Third-party |
_clsk |
Microsoft Clarity | Connects page views in a session | Session | Third-party |
sbjs_current |
Sourcebuster | Stores current visit source data | 6 months | First-party |
sbjs_first |
Sourcebuster | Stores first visit source data | 6 months | First-party |
sbjs_first_add |
Sourcebuster | Additional first visit source data | 6 months | First-party |
sbjs_current_add |
Sourcebuster | Additional current visit source data | 6 months | First-party |
sbjs_migrations |
Sourcebuster | Tracks data format migrations | 6 months | First-party |
sbjs_udata |
Sourcebuster | Stores user-specific attribution data | 6 months | First-party |
- Number of visitors and page views
- Time spent on pages
- Navigation patterns through the website
- Traffic sources (search engines, social media, direct links)
- Device and browser information
- Geographic location (country/city level only)
Marketing Cookies (Optional)
These cookies are used to deliver personalized advertisements and measure marketing campaign effectiveness. You can opt out of these cookies through our cookie preference center.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Retention | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
_fbp |
Facebook Pixel | Tracks visits for Facebook advertising | 3 months | Third-party |
_fbc |
Facebook Pixel | Stores last Facebook click for attribution | 3 months | Third-party |
spSubscriberId |
SendPulse | Email subscription and newsletter management | 1 year | Third-party |
_uetsid |
Microsoft Bing Ads | Tracks conversions from Bing Ads | 1 day | Third-party |
_uetvid |
Microsoft Bing Ads | Tracks user behavior for Bing Ads | 1 year | Third-party |
- Showing you relevant advertisements based on your interests
- Measuring advertising campaign effectiveness
- Preventing repetitive ad displays
- Providing personalized content and offers
- Tracking conversions from marketing campaigns
Third-Party Services
| Service | Purpose | Category | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Tag Manager | Manages and deploys analytics and marketing tags | Analytics | Google Privacy Policy |
| Google Analytics 4 | Comprehensive website analytics platform | Analytics | GA4 Privacy |
| Microsoft Clarity | Session recording and heatmap analysis | Analytics | Microsoft Privacy |
| Facebook Pixel | Conversion tracking and audience building | Marketing | Facebook Privacy |
| SendPulse | Email marketing and automation | Marketing | SendPulse Privacy |
| Cloudflare | CDN, security, and bot protection | Necessary | Cloudflare Privacy |
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
How to Control Cookies
You can manage your cookie preferences through:
- Our Cookie Consent Banner: Click "Manage Preferences" when you first visit or access cookie settings
- Browser Settings: Block or delete cookies through your browser's privacy settings
- Industry Opt-Out Tools:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Updates to This Cookie List
We may update this cookie list to reflect changes in our website, new services, or regulatory requirements.
For questions about our cookie usage, please contact us at [email protected]
Your Choices and Control
When you visit Istanbul.com, a cookie banner will allow you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can also adjust your preferences at any time via the [Cookie Settings] link in the footer.
You can withdraw your consent at any time via the Cookie Settings link or by clearing cookies in your browser. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may affect your experience on the site.
Retention Periods
- Session cookies: deleted once you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: remain until they expire or you delete them manually.
International Data Transfers
Some of our third-party providers (such as Google or Meta) may process your data outside the European Economic Area (EEA). In such cases, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at:
Get in touch
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe your rights have been violated.