Determining the effects on place attachment of Circassians living in Turkey by involvement to diaspora tourism

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of diaspora tourism on the place attachment of Circassians live in Turkey. So, The scope of the research was the Circassians living in Turkey. Mixed research method was used in the research. 30 people from 10 different cities were interviewed. In the survey, which was prepared based on the findings obtained from the qualitative research, it was tried to determine the effects of the Circassians participating in diaspora tourism on the purpose of participation in diaspora tourism, their experiences and place attachment. The survey was attended by 739 people across Turkey. In addition, in-depth observation was carried out by joining a group traveling to Nalchik, Russian Federation, Kabardino-Balkaria Republic. In the light of the findings, it can be said that diaspora tourists differ from other types of tourists. Circassians who participate in diaspora tourism, on the other hand, have unique characteristics in terms of their purpose of participation, their experiences and changes in place attachments. In this sense, it is hoped that an important contribution has been made to diaspora tourism, which is not sufficiently covered in the literature, and to the participation of Circassians in diaspora tourism. Key Words: Circassians, diaspora tourism, place attachment