Examination of sustainable tourism-sustainable landscape relationship: The case of Polonezkoy-İstanbul

This study is conducted to present the existing tourism activities in Polonezköy and to reveal the natural and cultural landscape features that are the source of tourism as well as determine the targets related to planning and management and to make spatial suggestions in order to ensure the sustainability of tourism and landscape. Polonezköy, which attracts attention for its natural and cultural features within the Istanbul province, stands out for its tourism activities. Established in 1842, Polonezköy was declared as a Nature Park in 1994 and a Natural Protected Area in 1995. Polonezköy has different green areas, nature parks, historical buildings and tourism facilities that allow for many activities. Cultural events, as reflection of local identity, are traditionally organized. The continuation of tourism activities since the past necessitates the questioning of landscapes in terms of sustainability in Polonezköy. The method of this study, which investigates the relationship between sustainable tourism and sustainable landscape, consists of four stages; literature review, field observation and data collection, landscape analysis, conclusions and recommendations. Literature review has contributed to the creation of the structural framework and theoretical foundations of the study. The analysis of socio-cultural data was carried out by using a mixed research method with qualitative and quantitative research approach. Natural and cultural landscape analyses were produced in digital environment. As a result of the study, based on the 12 main objectives of sustainable tourism set by UNEP in 2005, the main objectives for the sustainability of tourism and landscape were developed in Polonezköy. Targets are developed in the context of sustainable landscape and sustainable tourism; sustainability of physical integrity, sustainability of biodiversity, resource efficiency and environmental cleanliness, sustainability of cultural wealth, sustainability of rural economic sectors and employment, sustainability of social welfare and social equality, sustainability of tourist satisfaction and sustainability of local control. As a result of this study it is expected to be useful for sustainable tourism and landscape planning efforts, natural and cultural landscape analyses determination of planning and management objectives for issues.