Carrying capacity in terms of the sustainable tourism: A case in Topkapi Palace

In this study, the context of the carrying capacity, which is accepted as a way to succeed sustainable tourism, is examined in term of tourism destinations. The main goal of this study is to search solution for the carrying capacity problems that affect sustainable tourism in tourism destination. Topkapı Palace was selected as the case study place.The descriptive methodology was used to show all carrying capacity problems with their all dimensions in selected tourism destination. The questionnaires and interview techniques were used to collect data for study. Total field under survey is the total number of the visitors in a year in Topkapı Palace. The average numbers of visitor in a year was calculated by using last five years numbers of visitors (2002-2006). Average number of visitors for a year was calculated as 2.168.665. The sample size was calculated by using average numbers of visitors in a year. Sample size was calculated as 783 visitors for study. In the scope of the study total reach was to 913 visitors. The collected data was analyzed by using frequency, t an ANOVA tests in SPSS (Statistical Pocket Program For Social Science) the significant levels is accepted as 0,05.The results of the analyzing show that there are carrying capacity problems in Topkapı Palace. The carrying capacity problems are increasing as a result of lacking effective visitor management system. The visitors were bothered by crowd and they have problems in their visit. Also the staff of Topkapı Palace express that crowd is a big problem. The sustainability of the tourism destination is effected negatively by the problems that related to carrying capacity is an inevitable result. Therefore, the carrying capacity of Topkapı Palace should be evaluated by taking its borderlines in to account. In accordance with the results of the analyzing, some recommendations were made.