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Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to explore sustainable tourism practices in the context of dark tourism, using the sustainable framework as a guide.
Method: To achieve the objectives of this study, a participant observation technique was employed during two guided tours of the Gallipoli Battlefields; one conducted in English and the other in Turkish. The study field is well-known for being a key destination for battlefield tourism, and it's a prime example of war-related attractions that fit into the category of dark tourism.
Findings: According to the sustainable framework established in the literature, the data analysis identified three primary themes: economic factors, socio-cultural factors, and environmental factors. Under each of these themes, sustainable tourism practices were observed during the data collection process. The principal sustainable practices noted during the tours included the preservation and promotion of cultural and historical heritage, experiential activities such as boat rides or hiking, and contributions to the local economy by supporting local restaurants.
Conclusion: There are significant differences between English-speaking and Turkish-speaking tours. The Gallipoli Peninsula, recognised as a significant site for dark tourism in Türkiye, offers prospects for diversifying mass tourism activities through sustainable initiatives, such as the establishment of hiking trails. The Dire Directorate of Gallipoli Historic Site, the leading destination management organisation on the Gallipoli Peninsula, is expected to set up partnerships with tour companies, who will create tour itineraries centred on sustainable tourism practices in the battlefields.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Sustainable Tourism
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Early Pub Date
November 24, 2025
Publication Date
February 8, 2026
Submission Date
June 11, 2025
Acceptance Date
August 19, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 12 Number: 3
APA
Yalçınkaya, T. (2026). Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences, 12(3), 1017-1030. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1717659
AMA
1.Yalçınkaya T. Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism. IGUJSS. 2026;12(3):1017-1030. doi:10.17336/igusbd.1717659
Chicago
Yalçınkaya, Tarık. 2026. “Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 12 (3): 1017-30. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1717659.
EndNote
Yalçınkaya T (February 1, 2026) Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 12 3 1017–1030.
IEEE
[1]T. Yalçınkaya, “Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism”, IGUJSS, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 1017–1030, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.17336/igusbd.1717659.
ISNAD
Yalçınkaya, Tarık. “Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 12/3 (February 1, 2026): 1017-1030. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1717659.
JAMA
1.Yalçınkaya T. Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism. IGUJSS. 2026;12:1017–1030.
MLA
Yalçınkaya, Tarık. “Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 12, no. 3, Feb. 2026, pp. 1017-30, doi:10.17336/igusbd.1717659.
Vancouver
1.Tarık Yalçınkaya. Exploring Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dark Tourism. IGUJSS. 2026 Feb. 1;12(3):1017-30. doi:10.17336/igusbd.1717659