Evaluation of the Current Situation of Village Charities in Çanakkale within the Scope of Event Tourism

Abstract

Event tourism is the whole of touristic activities that bring people together around common values and make various contributions to the destination culturally. The activities include organizations that offer the opportunity to introduce the cultural values of the region where they are held, bring together individuals from different cultures, enable the discovery of new places and highlight the perception of social togetherness. Cultural, artistic and sports activities taking place in Turkey are in a position to support event tourism. In this study, the contribution of “köy hayırları” (village charity; the organization brings people together and meals are served so peaceful atmosphere is shared), which is a cultural activity, to tourism has been analyzed. In this study, data were obtained by using the interviewing technique, one of the qualitative research methods. The data were acquired through face-to-face interviews with a total of 10 people, including 6 participants from the villagers living in the villages, 3 headmen and 1 imam working in the relevant villages. The data obtained from the research were analyzed using descriptive analysis and content analysis methods. As a result of the interviews, it was concluded that the “köy hayırları” (village charity) strengthens the perception of social unity, protects the cultural values, with the high participation rate increasing every year supports the promotion of the natural aMractions and agricultural products of the village. However, it was understood that due to the recent natural disasters and epidemics participation could not be achieved sufficiently, and the financial opportunities of the village people were limited, and widespread organizations could be made with the support of the local government.