Evaluation of bullfighting festivals in Türkiye with regards to cultural and economic geography perspective

In this study investigated the effects of geographical factors on the emergence of bullfight festivals and aimed to reveal the socioeconomic and cultural dimensions of festivals. For this purpose, field work was conducted in 9 provinces (Artvin, Rize, Erzurum, Aydın, Muğla, İzmir, Denizli, Antalya, Bursa) in 5 regions (Black Sea, Aegean, Mediterranean, Eastern Anatolia, Marmara) where bullfighting festivals are organized in Turkey. The field work was planned according to the festival calendar, and a sample was selected from more than 60 festivals organized in a way that at least one festival was attended in each province and region. In the 23 festivals selected as a sample, 58 people consisting of bull breeders and organizers were interviewed and a questionnaire was applied to 922 people. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and MAXQDA programs. The analysis results and field observations show that bullfighting festivals emerged from rural life, and over time, they attracted great interest and turned into events attended by thousands of people. The interest of the masses in bullfighting festivals was reflected as a tourist flow to the destinations where the festivals were held, and this situation created significant socioeconomic and cultural gains in the field. Festivals created their own economy, and the cattle breeding sector in the field was restructured according to the festivals. The destinations where the festivals were held obtained significant income from tourism, and bullfighting festivals became an important development actor as a tourism attraction. Social networks that transcended the boundaries of the place were established between the local residents and tourists, and these networks expanded in a way that reflected on their commercial relations. The rural population's connection with the place they lived in was strengthened, and their commitment to local values increased. Key Words: Geographical Basis of Bullfighting, Bullfighting Culture, Bullfighting Festivals, Socioeconomic Impacts of Bullfighting Festivals.