مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Tourism Potential of Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Cave (Aydıncık, Mersin)

Abstract :

This paper aimed at introducing geographically and evaluating for sustainable ecotourism the Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Cave located within the borders of Aydıncık district of Mersin province whose tourism potential had not been examined though it was included in cave studies inventory in terms of name and location. Being one of the three caves growing in rocks dating back to the Cambrian period in the Turkish cave literature, the Gilindire Cave has quite an important potential in terms of nature and tourism. However, although an attempt has been made for approximately 13 years to open this cave to tourism, its importance for tourism has not been understood sufficiently yet. Thus, the present study intended to make a touristic introduction and plan of the cave, which seems insufficient for now. The research data were collected through map analyses and field surveys along with the related literature. Then, such data were arranged in connection with one another and transferred to texts, figures, and maps. They were scientifically interpreted based on a geographical construct. According to the research results, the Gilindire Cave is a multi-period and multi-origin cave in terms of geomorphological formation and development. Having a total length of 555 m, the Gilindire Cave is situated on a steep cliff developing along a high coast formed by faults at an altitude of +46 m. Natural elements seen inside and around the cave are quite important and attention grabbing in terms of tourism.Therefore, the illumination plan and the environmental plan of the cave should be completed urgently in order to introduce the natural resource values determined through more detailed studies to tourism. Then, introductory advertising activities should be conducted. The cave should be introduced by competent people.Moreover, the problems and deficiencies likely to hinder tourism inside and around the cave should be eliminated, and practices aimed at increasing tourism activities should be brought into action.