Inventory and assessment of geomorphosites of Mountainous Phrygia (Eskişehir/Türkiye)
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Graphical Abstract
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Abstract
Seyitgazi and Han districts, located in the south of Eskişehir in Central Anatolia, in western Türkiye, host interesting landforms, such as steep slopes, mesas and butte structures, fault-guided slopes, valleys, fairy chimneys, castle koppies, pillars, weathered rock blocks, perched rocks, cavernous weathering features, grooves, and gnammas, formed on tuffs in semi-arid to semi-humid climatic conditions, as well as geoarchaeological remains belonging to various civilisations, primarily the Phrygians (including rock-cut tombs and settlements, fortresses, rock churches, façades, altars, and niches). This study aims at identifying these remarkable landforms that host cultural heritage and revealing the geoheritage value and geotourism potential of the region. The data obtained from the fieldwork were evaluated using the methodology proposed by Pereira and Pereira in 2010, and 26 geomorphosites were selected from 61 potential sites using this method. The analysis results revealed that although the region hosts numerous geomorphosites with high scientific, cultural, aesthetic, and ecological value, the overall levels of protection and touristic use of these landforms are generally low. Indeed, the area, which has the potential to be an important tourism region in the future, faces problems such as infrastructure deficiencies, transportation difficulties, lack of promotion, weaknesses in accommodation services, and destruction of geoheritage. These results highlight the importance of implementing sustainable geotourism strategies that are compatible with the region's unique geoheritage. In this respect, this study is among the first to comprehensively inventory and assess the geomorphosites of Mountainous Phrygia, contributing to regional geoconservation and sustainable tourism development.
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