The Future of Cultural Heritage: Developing New Products for Prehistoric Tourism in Türkiye
Dr. Nurcan Yalman’s prehistoric tourism project involved students in field and laboratory work at Çatalhöyük. It aims to develop sustainable tourism products and routes that protect cultural heritage.
Türkiye’s prehistoric heritage is being rediscovered through “The Future of Cultural Heritage: Developing New Products for Prehistoric Tourism in Türkiye.” Led by Dr. E. Nurcan Yalman, a faculty member in the School of Applied Sciences’ Tourism Guiding Department, this original project introduces our students to the mysterious world of prehistoric periods. Its aim is to present the past while preserving cultural heritage and bringing a fresh perspective to boutique, intellectual and sustainable tourism.
Prehistoric tourism offers a new view of the human story stretching back tens of thousands of years. Attracting millions of visitors in Europe through sites such as the Lascaux and Altamira caves, this field is now growing in Türkiye. World heritage sites including Göbeklitepe, Çatalhöyük, Aşıklı Höyük and Troy are placing Türkiye at the forefront of this new form of tourism.
“It was thought that prehistoric periods could not be narrated. Yet this period is the most creative phase of humanity’s journey to make sense of the world.” — Dr. Nurcan Yalman
The project enables students to participate directly in archaeological excavations and make on-site observations. During September–October 2025, four Tourism Guiding students worked in the field and laboratories with the Çatalhöyük excavation team, gaining an insider’s understanding of period-specific details and the sensitivity of archaeological work. They also conducted research using qualitative questions about domestic and international visitors’ profiles, expectations and perceptions. The same model is planned for the Taş Tepeler region and the Cappadocia–Aşıklı Höyük area.
The “Prehistoric Tourism in Türkiye” panel organized by Dr. Yalman on April 8, 2025, was the project’s first major event. Oasis Tourism founder Haluk Yurtkuran, Erdal Çeri from Çeri Tourism and Gastronomy Department Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilistan Shipman shared their experiences with our students. These strong partnerships are supporting the design of new boutique tour themes and routes centered on local culture.
At the project’s conclusion, all field data will be evaluated to develop an academic publication, original tourism products and new destination maps. The study has the potential to become an outstanding example of Nişantaşı University’s vision for sustainable cultural tourism. Through our students’ creativity, the Prehistoric Tourism Project is giving our cultural heritage new life.
We thank our Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu and our university for supporting our students, and Çatalhöyük Excavation Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Ozan for accepting our students Batuhan Kalkan, Bayram Ali Çevik, Yiğit Şahin and Zehra Sarı into his project.
