Evaluating second houses in Urla (İzmir) by means of tourism geography approach

The effects, spatial distribution, international scope and tourism-related evaluations of secondary residences have been a subject of study for several lines of scientific disciplines. Geographers have also conducted studies on the issue in the recent period. This research was performed in Urla, where secondary residences are high in number, and where in certain functional and spatial changes have been experienced. In Western Turkey, Urla, placed at the center of the largest peninsula of Aegan Region, Urla Peninsula, is one of 30 counties in Izmir. Urla whose distance to Izmir's city center is 35 km, is surrounded by Güzelbahçe and Seferihisar in the east, by Çeşme in the west, by other counties of Karaburun in the north-west, and by the Aegan Sea in the north and south. Its population is estimated to be 60.750 inhabitants as of 2015 counts. By degree of number of habitants it ranks in the 19th place in terms of population. The research focuses on the thoughts of residence owners regarding topics of development and geographical distribution of secondary residences, the causes of Urla as a place of choice of secondary residences, economic, social and environmental effects of secondary residences, duration of usage and consideration of these residences in for touristic purposes. In the first stage of this study, where quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods have been employed, 220 secondary residences were given a questionnaire consisting of 35 questions. Following the survey, a more detailed interview were carried out individually with 15 participators. In the process of collection of qualitative data, the motivations of secondary residence owners were attempted to be learned who want or do not want to utilize their residence for touristic purposes. Individuals who opened their residence to the use of visitors through certain social networking sites (Airbnb and Couchsurfing) were also included in the study. While the analysis of the questionnaires were carried out through related statistics programs, a content analysis was made from the responses derived from the interviews. Descriptive table on the findings and graphics have been prepared and a factor analysis, x-square test (X²) and one way variant analysis were performed. The reason of for the related analyses is to explain whether statistically significant relations and differentiation have been occurring according to the variables. Most of the participants (189) are residents of Izmir. In the result of the factor analysis conducted in regards to choice of Urla as a place of secondary residence, 3 main factors have been revealed which can be evaluated under the titles of natural attractions of Urla, distance to city center, and socio-economic factors. Almost half of the participators (43%) have had their secondary residence for 16 years or more and more than half (66,7%) use their secondary residence for 4 to 6 months during a year. Those who use their residence for less than 3 months made up 25,1% of the total participants. June (91,9%), July (98,1%) and August (96,7%) are the months when the second residencies are used the most. Those who would like to utilize their assets for touristic purposes were numbered 32 (14,8%). With regards to effects of secondary residences on Urla, economic concerns (financial source of Urla Municipality, provision of employment for the local population and increase in demand for local products) were brought forth as positive effects, while diminishing agricultural space, harmful effects on natural vegetation and overcrowding were referred to as main problems participants focus on. In the outcome of the interviews, those who "would like to provide residence for tourists" were chiefly motivated by a desire to meet new people and cultures, form new friendships and acquaintances, and meanwhile to introduce Urla and Izmir through individuals who live in that city and are fairly acquainted with the culture of the region. Those who answered in opposition to the idea brought forwards problems such as "our place is not appropriate for sharing, it is barely enough for us and I would be disturbed to lend my stuff for the use of strangers".