Negotiating Heritage and Rural Development: A Critical Stakeholder Study in Adatepe, Turkey

Abstract

This study critically assesses current conservation efforts and suggests alternative sustainable development approaches for Adatepe Village, situated in the Mount Ida region of Turkey. The village is renowned for its significant cultural legacy, distinctive vernacular architecture, and an enduring agricultural tradition centred around olive farming. Since the second half of the twentieth century, increased tourism activities coupled with the settlement of newcomers have reshaped Adatepe's socio-economic landscape, introducing complex challenges such as infrastructural limitations, environmental pressures, and disruption of established community dynamics. Employing qualitative methodologies - including extensive literature review, comprehensive stakeholder interviews encompassing residents, newcomers, entrepreneurs, and local officials, as well as direct field observations - the study employs SWOT analysis combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to systematically evaluate local strengths, weaknesses, and potential opportunities and threats. Findings underscore the critical importance of enhancing infrastructure, actively preserving tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage, and implementing regulated tourism management practices. The study emphasises the need to balance tourism and conservation, enhance local participation, address infrastructure issues, and promote environmental sustainability. Recommendations include controlled management of tourism activities, development of projects supporting environmental and cultural sustainability, increased resident involvement, infrastructure enhancement, promotion of ecotourism, and branding of local products. These strategies aim to preserve Adatepe's unique identity, strengthen its economic and social structures, and serve as a model for sustainable rural development.