Abstract:

The aim of the study is to examine online visitor reviews for the Cultural Properties in Mersin province listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List. In this context, visitor reviews for Alahan Monastery, St. Paul's Church, St. Paul's Well and Surroundings, Mamure Castle, and Korykos Ancient City were examined through TripAdvisor. The reviews made until April 28, 2023, were evaluated within the scope of the research. The obtained data were subjected to qualitative data analysis methods, including content analysis and descriptive analysis. The codes developed for cultural properties were grouped into 2 categories: "Positive Features" and "Negative Features." In the Positive Features category, codes such as "Relevant Personnel," "Museum Card," "Culture, History, and Belief," and "Location" were included, while in the Negative Features category, codes such as "Unconscious Visitors," "Simple Features," "Fee," and "Administrative Deficiencies" were included. The codes with the highest frequencies were determined to be "Culture, History, and Belief" and "Administrative Features," respectively. It was identified that visitors generally emphasize the cultural importance of the works, but they have assessments indicating that the works are not given the necessary importance by local authorities. Especially, issues such as the neglect of the works, the absence of informative and directional signs, restorations not being carried out in line with the originality and historical texture of the assets, and insufficient emphasis on the promotion of the works were identified as the most expressed problems.

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