Investigation of the recreation potential of Malatya province karakaya dam lake and its near surroundings

One way to reduce the stresses and mental fatigue associated with working life is through leisure time activities. Outdoor recreation areas, which serve as key components of urban development, are places that create opportunities for physical rest and mental relaxation for urban dwellers, away from the hustle and bustle of urban environments plagued by noise and air pollution. In landlocked areas, the presence of water bodies, in particular, increases the attractiveness of these recreational areas. The development of outdoor recreation areas serves as a measure to meet the expectations and demands of residents seeking recreation in their surroundings. This study focuses on Karakaya Reservoir and its immediate surroundings and recognizes the importance of the reservoir as a vital water resource for the city. The assessment of recreation potentials in this landscape is accomplished through the use of the Identification of Water and Land Based Recreation Opportunities (SAROS) framework. SAROS serves as a comprehensive tool for the collection, assessment, planning and management of an inventory of recreation opportunities in a given location. This study was conducted using the SAROS level 1 coarse level scale, which covers three different levels of inventory collection. The SAROS approach used to identify recreation potentials includes parameter classification using SAROS environmental parameters, land use and land cover units. The results of this classification revealed that the study area is consistent with the character of a developed rural SAROS class. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of landscape planning, emphasizing the importance of incorporating recreational spaces in urban environments for the well-being and enjoyment of residents. It also clearly demonstrates the importance of areas with high potential for providing a tranquil environment for leisure activities. Keywords: Water Based Recreation, SAROS, Karakaya Dam, ROS, Developed Rural Area, Rural Area, Malatya