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Community Engagement and Heritage Awareness for the Sustainable Management of Rural and Coastal Archaeological Heritage Sites: The Case of Magarsus (Karataş, Turkey)

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  • Fatma Seda Cardak

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Sarıcam, 01250 Adana, Türkiye)

Abstract

The sustainable preservation of archeological heritage located in rural and coastal regions requires more than technical interventions; it necessitates the awareness and active participation of local communities. However, community involvement in heritage management in such areas remains limited. This study aims to analyze the levels of cultural heritage awareness, conservation tendencies, and tourism-related expectations among local residents and visitors in the Magarsus Archeological Area, located in the Karataş district on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The study was conducted in three phases: a literature review, field observations, and a structured survey conducted between June and August 2022 with 510 participants (280 local residents and 230 domestic visitors from surrounding provinces). The data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 through descriptive statistical methods, complemented by cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis to identify patterns across demographic variables. The survey results not only reflect general perceptions about heritage and tourism but also offer critical insights into how the rural and coastal character of the site shapes conservation attitudes and tourism behavior. The findings reveal nuanced perceptions, including strong symbolic appreciation for heritage and general openness to tourism, alongside concerns about cultural and environmental risks. While the local community prioritizes the potential for economic benefit, many participants also emphasized the importance of safeguarding local traditions, crafts, and culinary heritage. Nevertheless, concerns were expressed regarding the risks posed by uncontrolled tourism, including environmental degradation, erosion of cultural identity, and the commodification of heritage values. Based on these insights, the study introduces a governance approach built upon three interlinked pillars: community-based participation, environmental sustainability, and tourism practices aligned with cultural values. The proposed approach aims to support the inclusive and sustainable management of Magarsus and other rural and coastal archeological landscapes with similar characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Fatma Seda Cardak, 2025. "Community Engagement and Heritage Awareness for the Sustainable Management of Rural and Coastal Archaeological Heritage Sites: The Case of Magarsus (Karataş, Turkey)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5302-:d:1674474
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mustafa Özgeriş & Neslihan Demircan & Ayşe Karahan & Oğuz Gökçe & Faris Karahan & Işık Sezen & Elif Akpınar Külekçi, 2024. "Cultural Heritage Management in the Context of Sustainable Tourism: The Case of Öşkvank Monastery (Uzundere, Erzurum)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Burcu Soykök Ede & Murat Taş & Nilüfer Taş, 2025. "Sustainable Management of Rural Architectural Heritage Through Rural Tourism: Iznik (Turkey) Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-23, April.
    3. Emre Karataş & Aysun Özköse & Muhammet Ali Heyik, 2025. "Sustainable Heritage Planning for Urban Mass Tourism and Rural Abandonment: An Integrated Approach to the Safranbolu–Amasra Eco-Cultural Route," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-36, April.
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    1. Begüm Sözen & Sibel Ecemiş Kılıç, 2025. "Tourism-Led Rural Gentrification in Multi-Conservation Rural Settlements: Yazıköy/Datça Case," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-19, September.

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