Cengiz Akbulak

Application of analytical hierarchy process and geographic information systems in land-use suitability evaluation: a case study of Dümrek village (Çanakkale, Turkey)

This study used both analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geographic information systems (GIS) to make a land-use suitability analysis for the village of Dümrek, NW Turkey. Primarily, alternative land uses for agriculture, meadow–pasture and forest were determined along with criteria for these alternatives and a hierarchical structure was produced and used to determine the weights of the criteria. Spatial data were identified by means of GIS and calculations were made using the suitability values specified and weights obtained from AHP. Suitability maps were then produced for the above land use alternatives. Subsequently, a synthesized suitability map was formed from these maps. According to the weights specified by AHP, the order of land use preferences among the alternatives for rural development of Dümrek was agriculture, forest and meadow. The synthesized suitability map showed that the areas allocated for forest and agriculture were close to the present ratios of use; however, meadow land, which does not exist at present, should be allocated as a land use to constitute 12.5% of the study area. Achieving sustainability in land use is possible by planners and administrators considering results obtained from land suitability mapping studies at the stage of allocating land uses. The method applied in this research is considered useful when taking policy decisions covering the evaluation of rural land use, particularly for subunits of the state administration.

Determining ecotourism strategies using A’WOT hybrid method: case study of Troia Historical National Park, Çanakkale, Turkey

Ecotourism is a dynamic sector growing rapidly worldwide and is considered a means of achieving economic growth without ruining the natural and cultural resources of a given area. Ecotourism provides significant advantages in minimizing problems in touristic regions due to intensive growth and misuse of resources, thereby necessitating the importance of determining primary strategies for areas with ecotourism potential. The present study aimed to develop ecotourism strategies for the Troia Historical National Park (THNP) located within Çanakkale province in the northwest of Turkey. For this purpose, the A’WOT technique, developed through integration of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods, was used. After determination of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats existing at the THNP, the weights of SWOT groups and their factors were calculated together with AHP and eight strategies intended for development of ecotourism were proposed. These strategies can be summarized as follows: (i) clarifying administrative responsibility for the THNP, (ii) diversification of tourism types, (iii) establishment of tourism development corridors, (iv) establishment of appropriate image for Çanakkale and THNP, (v) increasing number of travel agencies, (vi) organizing training programs to develop ecotourism perception, (vii) utilization of advantages provided by strategic location, (viii) utilization of touristic assets within framework of protection-usage principle. It is believed that consideration of the strategies obtained from the findings of this study concerning the THNP and its environment will make an important contribution to the preservation of the landscape structure of the park. Findings also demonstrated that the A’WOT hybrid method is useful and effective in determining ecotourism strategies.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Coastal Dunes on the Saros Gulf, Turkey

Abstract In the present paper, several physico-chemical characteristics of dune sands in a rapidly prograding delta environment on the east coast of the Saros Gulf, northwest Turkey, are presented. For accurate characterization and classification of coastal dunes 4 km long and maximum 500 m wide, the pH, CaCO3 content, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy data were assessed. In terms of dune classification, our results showed the presence of three distinctive coastal dune types: (1) foredune, (2) semistable gray dune, and (3) stationary dark dune. Field observations combining with aerial photo and satellite image interpretations for the period between 1962 and 2007 also revealed dune loss and migration in the dunefield as a consequence of bidirectional effects of south-westerly and northwesterly winds and wind-force rise of lagoon waters.

Ecotourism Potential and Management of Kavak Delta (Northwest Turkey)

Abstract Wetlands are ecosystems where a high level of biodiversity is found. Being a suitable medium for the nourishment, reproduction, and accommodation of many species of living creatures, wetlands are museums of natural riches, not only of the country where they are located but also of the whole world. Kavak Delta, one of the most important wetlands of Turkey, with coastal dunes and halophilic vegetation as well as being on the north–south bird migration route, provides not only opportunities for coastal tourism but also offers substantial potential for ecotourism. During observations, bird species, especially of the orders Anseriformes, Falconiformes, and Charadriiformes, were identified. Some 14 orders, 39 families, and 124 bird species were spotted in the delta. Also, dune and halophilic plants constitute a rich flora in the delta. In this study, the potential for ecotourism and opportunities for coastal tourism in the area are outlined. Within this context, besides ecotourism activities, such as bird observation, botanic tourism, and angling, the use of beaches for coastal tourism is determined. Various recommendations are made for the optimal use of all tourism opportunities detected in the delta and for enabling sustainable coastal use and management.