The Festivals Held in Cittaslows in Turkey

Abstract

Considered as an important activity of cultural tourism in the past, the festivals nowadays appear to be a different type of tourism as they reach the market size expressed by millions of dollars. If the festivals are properly managed and marketed, they contribute to the economic development of the region, the promotion of local products, the promotion and marketing of the region. Issues such as content preparation, content registration, effective sponsorship, ticket sale, effective use of digital platforms and right theme selection are the most important issues in the proper management and marketing of festivals. Cittaslows have recently become the focus of attention of cultural tourists. The necessity of the citta slows to protect the cultural structure is one of the important factors attracting cultural tourists. In this study, festivals, which is an important element of the cultural heritage will be discussed in the case of Turkey’s citta slows. The aim of the study is to determine the festivals held in cittaslows in Turkey; themes, regulation periods and organizing institutions. Qualitative data will be used in the study. Obtained data will be analyzed and interpreted by content analysis. According to the findings of the research, the themes of the festivals held in the calm cities are very similar. In case of this common similarity, three festivals have been identified that make a difference in terms of theme: Pınar Bazaar Festival, Seed Exchange Festival and Smelling Festival.