Undiscovered hiking routes of Aksaray

The desire to explore new destinations and different cultures is one of the biggest sources of motivation for people attending tourism activities. This situation has led them to look for alternative types of tourism. An important alternative tourism form that can cover this desire is hiking tourism. Nature tourism contributes to environmental, social and economic sustainability goals and this tourism form considered to be a part of sustainable tourism. Although there are many popular hiking routes in Türkiye, nature-friendly tourists are always looking for new regions. Aksaray has many potential hiking routes that can meet this demandhowever these routes have not been fully assessed in terms of tourism. This study examines the potential of hiking tourism in Aksaray province. The main goal of the study is to identify undiscovered hiking routes in Aksaray province and to uncover the potential of these routes to be touristification. Within the scope of the study, the existing tourism infrastructure and potential hiking routes of the region were analyzed by using literature review, field research and joining local nature sports clubs. In particular, apart from the known routes such as Ihlara Valley, areas that have not been opened to tourism such as Kızılkaya, Doğantarla, Çatalsu, Ilısu, Yenipınar Villages, Helvadere, Demirci Towns that are located in the boundaries of Central, Gülağaç and Güzelyurt districts were focused on. In this study, participant observation method was used. The researcher joined a Mountaineering and Nature Sports Club operating in Aksaray's Central district and hiked the routes himself. Researcher noted the natural beauties, historical structures, landforms on or near the route and opportunities that tourists can benefit from in the settlements. Routes were recorded by the researcher using technological devices. Photographs taken during the hikings and visuals regarding created maps are included in the study. Considering the researches, evaluations and nature walks, 8 undiscovered hiking routes of Aksaray were determined. The collected data was analyzed, evaluated and presented.