Faith tourism sites in Siirt province: The cases of Baykan and Tillo (Aydınlar)

Tourism is a multidimensional global sector with significant economic and social impacts. Among its approximately 300 subfields, faith tourism stands out as a unique area that intertwines religious devotion with cultural heritage and economic activity. Pilgrimages to sacred sites, such as Mecca and Medina in Islam, Jerusalem and Rome in Christianity, and again Jerusalem in Judaism, form the backbone of this growing segment. Turkey, with its rich spiritual and historical geography, offers a wide range of destinations for faith-based tourism. This thesis focuses on the faith tourism potential of Siirt Province, specifically the districts of Baykan and Tillo (Aydınlar), which are home to prominent spiritual landmarks. The Veysel Karani Shrine in Baykan, associated with the Üveysî tradition, and the tombs of İsmail Fakirullah and İbrahim Hakkı in Tillo represent important religious and cultural heritage sites that significantly contribute to the region's social and economic life. The main objectives of the study are to examine the tourism potential of these sacred sites, assess their impact on local socio-economic structures, and propose strategies for sustainable tourism development. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative data gathered through surveys with qualitative insights obtained from in-depth interviews and field observations involving local residents and tourism stakeholders. Findings indicate that while these sites attract thousands of visitors annually, challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, limited accommodation capacity, and inadequate promotional activities hinder full utilization of their tourism potential. Based on the research results, several recommendations are made: enhancing transportation and lodging infrastructure, launching broader promotional campaigns, preserving historical structures, and promoting environmentally friendly tourism practices. Additionally, increasing the active participation of local communities is emphasized as a key factor in ensuring sustainable regional development. This thesis contributes to the academic understanding of faith tourism in Siirt and offers a valuable reference for future initiatives aimed at cultural tourism and regional revitalization.