Evaluating the Geomorphological Features and GeotourismPotentials of Harmankaya Canyon (Bilecik, Turkey)

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

The rapid political, economic, and technological developments in the world in recent years have, on the one hand, led to an increase in the share of tourism revenue in national economies; and changes in the usual touristic consumption patterns for recreation, recreation, and travel on the other hand.When we look at today's concept of tourism and profile of modern tourists, it becomes noteworthy that people have alternative pursuits, like "tourism of particular interest" for discovering natural beauties and indigenous cultures in less known Harmankaya Canyon is located within boundaries of Karahasanlar settlement near Yenipazar district and Harmanköy settlement near İnhisar district in the east of the province of Bilecik.It was declared an area of nature protection under the name of "Harmankaya Canyon Nature Park" in 2012 by the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs.This study introduces Harmankaya Canyon, in the first place, by discussing its geomorphological characteristics, which play a significant role in the declaration of canyon as a nature park, along with the formation.Then, it discusses the potentials born by the canyon as a newly emerging destination of geotourism.Harmankaya Canyon was created by Harmanköy Stream, one tributary of Sakarya River, within Bilecik limestones of Mesozoic age.The canyon is 2.3 km long and 650-700 m deep, with a difference of altitude of 136 m between the entrance and the exit.Having quite an impressive view, the canyon was mainly formed as a result of fluvial processes under the control of lithological, tectonic, and climatic factors together.Thanks to its geomorphological characteristics, the Harmankaya Canyon Nature Park offers both sports and social attractions, like geotourism bound by geographical formations, canyoning relying on natural sources, trekking, rock-climbing, rafting, paragliding, and photography.Considering its location close to the larger Turkish cities, such as Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli, and Eskişehir and accessibility, the Harmankaya Canyon Nature Park is thought to meet all criteria for a destination of day-trips and weekend excursions for a relief from urban stress or for indulging in nature.SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis was performed to unveil the touristic potential of the canyon.As a result, it was found to pose far more strengths and opportunities than weaknesses and threats.