Transformation of rural settlements to touristic settlements : A case study in Ildırı (Çesme) and Alacatı (Çesme)

The purpose of the master's thesis is to compare the tourism sector that has developed at different rates in two different towns of Cesme District, namely Ildiri and Alacati, both of which had been rural settlements in the past, in terms of the factors that contributed to the difference and the resulting effects. Within the scope of the study, chronological method was employed in addition to qualitative research method. Observations, field studies and interviews were carried out in the study area. Open-ended questions were prepared in line with structured interview technique and findings were obtained by interviewing people selected on purposeful sampling basis. The criteria to be used in comparing Ildiri and Alacati were determined in consequence of the observations and interviews. It was determined according to the obtained findings that, in terms of destination development phases, Ildiri is within the development stage and could not pass to the consolidation phase yet. Alacati, on the other hand, has passed through the development phase rapidly and reached the consolidation phase. In respect to the factors acting on the development of tourism, while the factors available for Ildiri have been mostly restrictive and hampering, in Alacati mostly facilitating factors have been predominant due to the high potential of natural, cultural and service-related attractions. While the spatial growth of tourism in Ildiri is mostly restricted due to protected archeological or natural areas, with the lands zoned for construction in Alacati new dwellings were built and spatial growth was facilitated by means of touristic facilities. In terms of the usage of the natural environment, tourism has damaged the natural flora of both towns. As for the effect on the local population, tourism impacts the female employment rates positively both in Ildiri and Alacati. On the other hand, contrary to the spatial disconnection between the tourists and the locals of Ildiri, in Alacati areas used jointly by the locals and the tourists and the heterogeneity of the population draw attention. Concerning the effects of tourism on the local economy, while it mostly supports activities such as agriculture and fishing in Ildiri, it has a significant effect on all economic activities in Alacati. Key words: Ildırı, Alaçatı, Tourism, Change, Comparison