Ayazini in terms of geopark potential

This study evaluates natural and cultural values of Ayazini, a village of İhsaniye, Afyonkarahisar in terms of the criteria established by the UNESCO's Global Geopark Network. Within this context, the village is aimed to contribute to geotourism through its sustainable protection. The study focuses on fairy chimneys, rock areas and graves, geomorphological structures in and cultural characteristics of Ayazini. It is mostly a fieldwork study. GPS coordıinates of natural and cultural values were recorded, and about 2000 photos were taken. In addition, field trips were taken and interviews were conducted with villagers. The thematic map of the village was constructed in GIS laboratory of the Department of Geography at Afyon Kocatepe University. Apart from all these, the related literature was reviewed. At the end of this study, Ayazini and its neighborhood were found to be congruent with the criteria established by the UNESCO's Global Geopark Network. In addition, the study indicates that existing natural and cultural values can be used for geotourism, education and research purposes and marketed through thermaltourism. On the other hand, protection and use of Ayazini remained within the legal limits and were inadequate in practice. Finally, suggestions were made, in accordance with the findings, for geotourism in Ayazini and its neighborhood as well as for its sustainable protection and use.