Investigation of the religion tourism potantial as a cultural value in Aksaray

Human has needed to believe in an object or an entity since its creation. In this context, the emergence of the concept of asına religion mensup and the belief of individuals in different religions have enabled the people of the same religion to interact with each other in the world. The travels made by people who are in constant interaction with the religious perspective are evaluated under the title of religious tourism among the alternative tourism types mentioned in the cultural sense. Aksaray is one of the cities that hosts many visitors every year within the scope of faith tourism in our country and also has many holy places and religious values belonging to the Islamic Religion and Christianity. The main aim of the study is to determine the potential of Aksaray province within the scope of faith tourism and to present suggestions about increasing this potential. Qualitative research method was used. In the literature section of the study, semi-structured interview technique was used in the document analysis and method section. In addition, the data were analyzed with descriptive and content analysis techniques. In this context, face-to-face interviews were held with 24 senior and 20 academicians working in public and private sectors, including 2 academicians and 2 chairmen. The findings of the study revealed that Aksaray, which has a high historical, religious and cultural potential, could not benefit from this potential. In addition, suggestions were made to ensure the development of Aksaray province within the scope of faith tourism. Keywords: Culture, Religion, Tourism, Religion Tourism, Aksaray