Analyzing the stakeholder perceptions of Mardin for the protection of cultural heritage elements and their use for tourism purposes with a qualitative approach

This study, aimed at the protection of cultural heritage and its use for tourism purposes, has been written to explain what needs to be done to raise awarenessa bouth the protection of Mardin's cultural heritage by bringing it into tourism and to determine the thoughts of people who have improved themselves in tourism. With in the frame work of the literature, the definition and boundaries of the concept of cultural heritage, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the importance of cultural heritage, the concepts discussed with in the scope of tourism, such as the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, were taken into account and the literature review of the area in which there search was conducted was carried out. In accordance with the purpose of the study, 17 people in the tourism sector in Mardin constitute the sample group. Qualitative interview technique was used as a method in the research. Some suggestions were made by evaluating the information obtained from the participants. Depending on the research findings, it has been concluded that Mardin hosts valuable cultural heritage elements in terms of tourism, and the importance of these elements is not understood enough despite the existence of tourism activities in every season.