The Impacts of Ecotourism Discourse on Cultural Landscape: An Evaluation in the Context of Ambar Valley

Abstract

The term ecotourism is associated with concepts such as harmony with the environment and
integration with nature. The concept of ecotourism is open to generating new tensions in the
field of cultural landscape, in addition to the preservation of cultural heritage. This study
discusses the effects of ecotourism on the cultural landscape through the example of the Ambar
Valley in Diyarbakir. Throughout its history, the valley has been an area of agricultural
production and human interaction. Shaped by the Ambar River, the valley was designated an
ecotourism area in 2017. The valley occupies a contextual status between landscape, tourism,
and conservation. Historically, agricultural influence, the living landscape, and productivity
have been prominent. However, current conservation and planning approaches focus more on
aesthetic values. This study aims to critically evaluate the impact of ecotourism on the cultural
landscape. A qualitative research framework is used in the study. This study, conducted within
the context of the Ambar Valley, aims to contribute to a form of conservation that considers
the area, rather than ignoring its historical continuity and the relationship it establishes with
daily usage practices.