Evaluation of the tourism potential of Besparmak Mountains in the respect of protection – use balance

Abstract Besparmak Mountain which is in western Anatolia attracts attentions with its cultural, natural, geological, historical, archaeological and mythological characteristics and recreational potential. The fascinating rock formations within the area provide considerable amount of geo–tourism opportunities. The mountains have interesting monasteries carrying examples of Byzantine fresco art. In addition The Lake Bafa is among the most important bird areas of Turkey. It was concluded in the study that instead of the attempts to acquire the area only for tourism by determining its natural, cultural and aesthetical values, it should be planned in a nature protective approach considering current alternative tourism potentials such as geo–tourism, cultural tourism, nature tourism and should be planned by seeing the area as whole.