The Place and Importance of Cultural Values in the scope of Rural Tourism: Muğla Yuruk Turkmen Festival

Abstract

One of the most important elements that constitute the tourism and touristic product is cultural values. In this study, the Yuruk Turkmen Festival traditionally organized every year in Düzeyn highland of Muğla province is considered. In the study, the place and importance
of Yuruk Turkmen Festival which is one of the cultural values of Muğla and its region, has been discussed in the scope of rural tourism. The qualitative data collection method was used in the study preparation. In this context, data were gathered through interview, observation
and document examination methods. The obtained data shows that even though Yuruk Turkmen Festival could not reach to national and international dimensions yet, participation has reached to thirty thousand people and also this participation is still on the locale scale and even though the ninth has been regulated, it shows that there has been significant contribution to the city. In addition, it can be said that such festivals have not only economic aspects but also it is an opportunity to promote the region and its culture. In this respect, it is possible that
the Yuruk Turkmen Festival can be transformed into a source of income within the scope of rural tourism by bringing at first national and then international dimensions as possible and by presenting the cultural values in the tourism market.