Abstract:

The essence of cultural tourism is to place the triangle of cultural heritage – tourism – sustainability in a proper equation. Otherwise, the intense flow of tourists can change and degenerate the structure of cultural elements over time, which are a part of small societies and their tourism in particular. The objective of this study is to determine the current status of Cypriot Turkish handicraft products such as Lefkara work, Lapta work, cocoon work, saddle-basket work, needlework, yemeni (headscarf), leather bag, chest, and wicker chair making, and to display the necessary actions to support them through cultural tourism activities. It is known that today even societies that are technologically advanced, hold onto traditional handicraft works which play an important role in terms of tourism revenues, and make active use of these cultural elements in the field of tourism. However, it should be remembered that handicrafts affect not only economic status, but also the national identity of the society, and that sustainability is critical in this respect. In accordance with the chosen objective, face-to-face interviews were held with the participants who were given two interview forms, one structured and one unstructured. The sample of the study consisted of 30 participants dealing with the production and/or marketing of the said handicrafts in TRNC, and phenomenology, a pattern of qualitative research, was used in the study. Phenomenology focuses on phenomena which we know but do not have detailed understanding about, and these phenomena appear in different forms such as experiences, perceptions, orientations, concepts and situations. According to the results of the study, handicrafts are not adequately used in cultural tourism in TRNC. It is essential that the future generations develop awareness so that handicrafts, which are among the most important documents of the Cypriot Turkish cultural identity, can be sustained vigorously.

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