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Journals / Güncel Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 10 Sayı: 2

Sarıkamış in the Context of Dark Tourism: Visitor Motivations and Experiences

Hüzün Turizmi Bağlamında Sarıkamış: Ziyaretçi Motivasyonları ve Deneyimleri

Saliha Evşen Soğukbunar0000-0000-0000-0000
Ahmet Tayfun(ANKARA HACI BAYRAM VELİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-7485-0663
Ozan Çatır(Uşak Üniversitesi)0000-0003-3168-7338
Pages
807–833
Publication Date
2026-09-11
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In conclusion, it is evident that Kars Sarıkamış possesses significant potential in terms of dark tourism.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Kars Sarıkamış is one of Turkey's key destinations for dark tourism due to the Sarıkamış Offensive, which took place during the First World War and resulted in heavy losses for the Ottoman Empire.
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Key Findings & Data:The study group consisted of tourists who visited Kars Sarıkamış on 18–19 March 2024.
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Conclusion & Impact:In conclusion, it is evident that Kars Sarıkamış possesses significant potential in terms of dark tourism.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:2024 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Hüzün Turizmi · Savaş Turizmi · Sarıkamış Harekâtı

Abstract

Kars Sarıkamış is one of Turkey's key destinations for dark tourism due to the Sarıkamış Offensive, which took place during the First World War and resulted in heavy losses for the Ottoman Empire. This study aims to assess the potential for dark tourism in Kars Sarıkamış; to highlight the region's historical and cultural significance; and to examine visitors' travel motivations and experiences. A qualitative research method was employed. The study group consisted of tourists who visited Kars Sarıkamış on 18–19 March 2024. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation; they were analysed through the stages of coding, theme generation, theme analysis and validation. According to the research findings, the media's influence, cultural identity and national sentiments stand out as the main reasons for participants' visits to Sarıkamış. Participants stated that they experienced intense emotional experiences during their visit and considered this experience to be unforgettable. In conclusion, it is evident that Kars Sarıkamış possesses significant potential in terms of dark tourism. It is recommended that the region be evaluated more effectively in terms of its historical memory, cultural identity and emotional experience dimensions, and that it be developed in terms of infrastructure, promotion and visitor services.

Özet

Kars Sarıkamış, I. Dünya Savaşı sırasında gerçekleşen ve Osmanlı Devleti açısından büyük kayıplarla sonuçlanan Sarıkamış Harekâtı nedeniyle Türkiye'de hüzün turizmi açısından önemli destinasyonlardan biridir. Bu araştırmada, Kars Sarıkamış'ın hüzün turizmi potansiyelinin değerlendirilmesi; bölgenin tarihî ve kültürel öneminin, ziyaretçilerin seyahat motivasyonlarının ve deneyimlerinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışma grubu, 18-19 Mart 2024 tarihlerinde Kars Sarıkamış'ı ziyaret eden turistlerden oluşmaktadır. Katılımcılar amaçlı örnekleme yöntemiyle belirlenmiştir. Veriler, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler ve katılımcı gözlem yoluyla toplanmış; kodlama, tema oluşturma, tema analizi ve doğrulama aşamalarıyla analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre, katılımcıların Sarıkamış'ı ziyaret etme nedenlerinde medya etkisi, kültürel kimlik ve millî duygular öne çıkmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, Kars Sarıkamış'ın hüzün turizmi açısından önemli bir potansiyele sahip olduğu görülmektedir. Bölgenin tarihsel hafıza, kültürel kimlik ve duygusal deneyim boyutlarıyla daha etkili biçimde değerlendirilmesi; altyapı, tanıtım ve ziyaretçi hizmetleri açısından geliştirilmesi önerilmektedir.

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Cite This Article

Soğukbunar, S. E., Tayfun, A., Çatır, O. (2026). Sarıkamış in the Context of Dark Tourism: Visitor Motivations and Experiences. Güncel Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi, Cilt: 10 Sayı: 2, 807–833. https://doi.org/10.32572/guntad.1957858

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