A Qualitative Study on Investigation of Intangible Cultural Heritage Values of Gümüşhane Province within the Framework of Sustainable Tourism

The concept of sustainable tourism has a strategic significance in preserving local cultures and passing them on to future generations. Those intangible cultural heritage elements that embody the unique qualities of the local culture and comprise the living memory form a subject that needs to be discussed within the context of sustainable tourism. From this perspective, the aim of this study is to examine elements of the intangible cultural heritage of Gümüşhane, which still maintain its original characteristics and qualities within the context of sustainable tourism. 16 stakeholder participants comprise the studied sample. From the purposeful sampling methods in this study participants were determined according to the snowball sampling method. Semi-structured interview questions were addressed to the participants and the results were analyzed by means of descriptive analysis. It is determined that there are many intangible cultural heritages begin to be forgotten in Gumushane, tourism may be a strategic tool in the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of Gumushane and the handicrafts are the most important among the intangible cultural heritage elements that can be evaluated within the scope of tourism.