Investigation of the District of Milas in the Province of Muğla in Terms of Cultural Tourism

The number of tourism movements and the number of the tourists taking part in these movements are on a steady increase in the world. As a result of the fact that the number of the individuals participating in tourism activities, people have begun to prefer mass tourism. In parallel with this, especially the developing countries have begun to turn to alternative types of tourism. One of the alternative tourism types is the cultural tourism. Although there are many kinds of tourism, the present study has been limited with the cultural tourism and other types of tourism have not been investigated. In addition, the present study has not investigated a region or a province, but only the district of Milas in the province of Muğla. The cultural tourism, which has gained considerable importance in recent years, not only increases the tourism revenues, but also allows people to learn about different cultures. Based on these facts, it has been decided to investigate the cultural assets and intangible heritage the district of Midas has in terms of the cultural tourism. The study is of importance in terms of introducing the cultural tourism in the district of Midas by investigating the district which have many values in order to determine its cultural assets and intangible heritage. Besides, it also investigates the potential of the touristic values of the region for generating income for the local people. During the research stage, it has been determined that the district of Midas has many tangible and intangible heritages. The district has a number of tangible assets from the Caria period to the period of the Ottoman State. Additionally, it has also been found out that a culture peculiar to the region has been continuing for a long time in the district. Although Milas is very close to the district of Bodrum, it has not been able to generate enough revenue from the tourism industry. However, if the district is opened to cultural tourism based on the tangible and intangible heritage it has, then it can start generating considerable tourism-based income. The district has an advantage in terms of transportation as well, since the Milas-Bodrum Airport is situated in the district. Within the scope of the Investigation of the District of Milas in the Province of Muğla in Terms of Cultural Tourism, literature review was conducted, the internet web databases were searched and the theses and printed books were examined. In the ‘Conclusion and Suggestions’ section, the suggestions about the introduction of the cultural tourism in the district of Midas are presented. The rapid development of the cultural tourism, its income generating nature, the adequate cultural assets the region has, as well as the fact that the plan has been developed by examining the other regions which have implemented cultural tourism previously, are expected to create a sustainable development, employment and income for the region.