@article{article_1731212, title={Evaluation of Current Potential of Soğanlı Valley Within The Scope of Cultural Tourism}, journal={Çatalhöyük Uluslararası Turizm ve Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi}, pages={55–66}, year={2025}, author={Irk, Nurşen and Akın, Mehmet Halit}, keywords={Kültür, Kültür turizmi, Soğanlı Vadisi, SWOT Analizi, Turizm Potansiyeli}, abstract={Cultural tourism plays an important role in sustainable development, preservation of identity and local heritage by transferring the traces of the past to future generations. For destinations with high historical and cultural richness such as Turkey, which has been home to many civilizations throughout history, cultural tourism is not only an economic activity, but also offers an important potential that contributes to the preservation and transmission of cultural continuity. In this context, this research aims to evaluate the current situation and opportunities of cultural tourism in Soğanlı Valley, which constitutes a concrete example of this potential. For the purpose of the research, data were collected from 38 participants consisting of stakeholders such as local people, sector representatives, local administrators, academicians, etc. determined by purposeful sampling method and SWOT analysis was carried out. As a result of the research, it was determined that the strengths of Soğanlı Valley such as its natural and historical beauties, fairy chimneys, being home to different civilizations, as well as opportunities such as its unspoiled structure and ecotourism potential create a serious potential for cultural tourism. On the other hand, it has been determined that promotional elements such as marketing and regional guides are weaknesses that need to be improved, while lack of awareness, deformation and cultural degeneration are threats that need to be taken into consideration.}, number={14}, publisher={Selçuk Üniversitesi}