Abstract
Attractiveness of Tangible Cultural Heritage in Local Development within the Scope of Cultural Tourism: Example of Karakaya Rock Paintings
Around the world, it is seen that the preferences in touristic demands is as a result of the differences in the behavior of consumers. This transformation necessitates the planned and effective use of the touristic attractions, original to the regions. Rational evaluation of the tangible cultural heritage elements, which are independent of the touristic supply values and tourism supply of the regions, accelerates the economic development of these regions. The tourism activities attract attention as a facilitating economic factor in reducing poverty in these regions and in the assurance of local development. The aim of the study is to examine the role of the attractiveness of Karakaya rock paintings, which happens to be one of the most important tangible cultural heritage values in Beşparmak Mountains (Latmos), captured within the context of local development of the geography within the scope of cultural tourism. Investigation was carried out to ascertain how the rock paintings contributed to the economic and social development of the local people, the region, and what needs to be done to increase the attractiveness of the cultural and tourism attractions of the region. In this context, using the open-ended structured interview technique, one of the qualitative research methods, the data obtained were interpreted and evaluated with cultural analysis.
Keywords
Cultural Tourism, Tangible Cultural Heritage, Karakaya Rock Paintings, Local Development
