The role of faith tourism in regional development: The case of Siirt

This study aims to examine the current and potential impacts of faith-based tourism in the province of Siirt within the framework of regional development. The research addresses the theoretical foundations of faith tourism, reviews global and national practices, and elaborates on the specific faith tourism destinations unique to Siirt. In particular, the tombs of significant religious figures such as Sheikh Musa, Veysel Karani, İsmail Fakirullah, and İbrahim Hakkı, as well as structures like the Siirt Grand Mosque, are evaluated in detail. In the implementation phase, a survey was conducted with 400 residents of Siirt, and their perceptions of faith tourism were analyzed according to their demographic characteristics. The findings reveal that the local population generally holds a positive perception of faith tourism; however, this potential remains underutilized. It was concluded that investments in infrastructure, promotion, and transportation could enhance both tourism revenues and contribute to regional development. In this context, the study provides valuable insights into the local community's views on faith tourism and offers strategic guidance for Siirt's development in this field.