Proposal for cultural route in the footsteps of the Anatolian Principalities

The cultural heritage elements that have survived from the First Period Anatolian Principalities to the present day hold significant potential for cultural tourism, in addition to their historical and aesthetic value. The cultural heritage elements left in Anatolia by the First Period Anatolian Principalities are significant in that they form the foundation of the accumulation of knowledge that has reached into the architecture and art of the Anatolian Seljuks, the Second Period Anatolian Principalities, and the Ottoman Empire. In other words, the cultural heritage elements left in Anatolia by the First Period Anatolian Principalities had significant influences on architecture, decorative arts, and urban planning, beginning with the Anatolian Seljuks and extending to the Ottoman period, shaping the aesthetics of subsequent periods. However, due to inadequate promotion, these heritage elements are not adequately utilized as tourist products. Furthermore, cultural routes, which have gained increasing importance in recent years as an alternative tourism type, have become an effective tool for promoting cultural values and diversifying destinations. This study introduces elements of the cultural heritage of the First Period Anatolian Principalities and proposes a cultural route based on this heritage. The cultural route, based on eight principalities: the Artuqid Principality, the Danismendli Principality, the Mengüçlü Principality, the Çubukoğulları Principality, the Dilmaçoğulları Principality, the İnaloğulları Principality, the Saltuklu Principality, and the Ahlatşahlar Principality, begins in the Niksar district of Tokat and ends in Mardin city center. Stops along the route were selected based on their historical and cultural significance, and visit times and transportation options were evaluated. The primary objective of this study is to develop a proposed cultural route that will contribute to the promotion and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Anatolian Principalities period, transforming it into a tourist attraction. This route aims to raise awareness among local residents and local governments, while also providing an academic foundation for the narratives of tour guides. Keywords: Cultural Tourism, Cultural Routes, Turkey Cultural Routes, First Period Anatolian Principalities