Zehranur Savran Serbetci

Cultural Tourism: Evaluation of Cultural Tourism Potential in Terms of Geography in Hatay Zehranur Savran Serbetci

Hatay is located on the historical cross roads that have linked three continents to each other, and it has always been the focus of beliefs and cultures. Hatay has performed the function of a bridge between the Middle East and Turkey. Ethnic origins of some of the societies in Hatay share common features with those of the cities in the vicinity. Many monasteries, churches and synagogues that reflect the Christian and Jewish cultural heritage and number of Turkish-Islamic works of arts are among the factors that attract attention towards Hatay. Hence, it can be said that the field of research is a vitally important place in cultural tourism of Turkey. There are cultural heritages of different beliefs that pave the way for the development of the belief tourism potential. Ethnic and folkloric values are among the leading elements when we analyze the cultural tourism potential. Furthermore, traditional houses, food and drinks of different cultures, language, multiculturalism, special occasions and ceremonies, different ethnic groups in many places such as Antakya, Samanda? etc. are the factors that converts Hatay into a cultural landscape.