A research on evaluating for tourism and recreation potential of natural and cultural resource values at Çoruh Watershed area (Yusufeli region)

SUMMARYThe watershed area of Çoruh River in Yusufeli Region with its untouched landscape values is one of the distinguished potential areas where recreational and nature tourism activities can be carried out. In this research, the natural and cultural potentials of the area have been studied. In addition, recreational and touristic areas as well as the general recreational tendencies of people in the study area have been determined. In the light of the data obtained from these preliminary research studies, three different interview surveys were done in 1994-1995 in both residential and temporary residential areas. The data obtained in the studies were analysed statistically and the preference of natural landscape elements of people living in the area was carefully examined. Coefficients were determined for each landscape element in the light of these data. A mathematical evaluation method developed by Kiemstedt (1967) was used to determine mathematically the suitability of natural landscape elements for recreation. The method was applied to Turkey by Giilez (1979) in the Eastern Blacksea Coastal Region. Considering the criteria which Giilez (1979) has used in his research, suitable modifications were made according to the topographical conditions of Çoruh watershed area and suggestions were made in order to provide flexibility in the application of the method. The topographic map to the scale of 1/100.000 was used in the applied studies. Natural landscape elements were analysed in each cartographic grid square unit. The data obtained from the landscape analysis were first collected on tables then were multiplied by the coefficients and