The Cittaslow movement in sustainable local development: Assessing the potential of Ürgüp district

With the impact of globalization, environmental degradation and sustainability issues have become increasingly apparent, leading to the emergence of various approaches aimed at protecting natural and cultural resources. The widespread growth of fast food culture has paved the way for the birth of the Slow Food movement, and this development led to the formation of the Cittaslow concept in 1999 with the aim of ensuring the sustainability of cities and improving the quality of local life. Today, 303 cities in 31 countries are part of the Cittaslow network, with Turkey being the third country with the most members, having 25 cities. This study aims to evaluate the potential for Ürgüp, a district located in the Cappadocia region, to become a Cittaslow member. Ürgüp is a significant tourist destination known for its historical and cultural assets, unique architectural texture, and tourist appeal. To become a Cittaslow member, at least 50% of the 73 sub-criteria under 7 main categories must be met. Based on document analysis and field research, it was determined that 44 out of the 73 criteria meet the necessary conditions, while there are deficiencies in 29 criteria. Therefore, it can be said that Ürgüp has a high likelihood of meeting the Cittaslow criteria in case of an application, but improvements need to be made in certain areas.