Locals’ Motivations for Recreational Visits to Urban Cultural Heritage Sites: The Seyh Edebali Tomb, Bilecik, Turkey

Abstract

Heritage sites are open to tourists and local residents alike. Heritage site areas are visited by different local, national, and international groups for different purposes. In tourism studies, the role of locals as service providers and impact receivers has often been considered. However, locals’ recreational use of heritage sites is rarely examined. In order to develop touristic products and provide services, it is also important to understand locals’ recreational motivations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the locals’ motivations, experience with, and perceived value in visiting heritage sites. This work focuses on locals’ motivations for visiting, and patterns of visiting, the Seyh Edebali Tomb in Bilecik, Turkey. This site was chosen for study in part for convenience, as well as because it is a place used by both tourists and locals. Given the purpose of this research, this study employed qualitative research methods. The interview was conducted with 10 participants who are residents of the city of Bilecik. All the interviews were conducted at the Seyh Edebali Tomb. A semi-structured interview technique was used in the study. The interviews were conducted in June 2018. Content analysis and descriptive analysis were used to analyse the data. The study found that locals’ use of the tomb took various forms. Locals reported spending time at the tomb and its surroundings chatting with friends, praying, and viewing the natural and cultural landscape. Nine reasons for visiting emerged from the study results. Seeing the natural and cultural landscape, enjoying time with family and friends, fresh air, and worship are the main reasons why locals visit the Seyh Edebali Tomb. Many locals regarded the tomb not just as a tourist place but as a recreational place. The practical implications of the findings can guide management decisions at the Seyh Edebali Tomb.