The importance of natural and cultural heritage in tourism a case of cappadocia

Abstract

Apart from its interesting geological formation, Cappadocia has a place among the worlds rare natural and cultural centres, with its fairy chimneys, the settlements carved into the fairy chimneys, its underground cities, its rock churches and other beautiful elements Cappadocia, registered as “Göreme National Park of Nature and History” as number 177 in the list of “The Worlds Natural and Cultural Heritage” has its well earned place with its natural structure and its cultural diversity. In this museum there are great number of rock hewn churches, monasteries and refectories. One can see the church that has been opened in 1967, monasteries, a mosque, tunnels and rock hewn homes in the Zelve Open Air Museum. The mosaics of the antique city of Sobessos, discovered only two years ago, the excavation of which is still being continued by the Museum of Nevşehir is one of the last surprises for those visiting Cappadocia. Also, Cappadocia, renowned for its pottery and of course for its wine, is a region to which every visitor wishes to return again and again. In this region which is a well-known destination by international tourists, there are some weaknesses and various problems with regard to tourism, alongside its many beauties. The purpose of this study is first to introduce Cappadocia in terms of its geological formation, historical and cultural structure and natural beauty. Then, in the region, a total of 50 people were interviewed, the responses were compiled and grouped and presented as research findings. Also, based on the information provided by the respondents, suggestions were presented for the tourism problems of the region.