Physical Changes in World Heritage Sites under the Pressure of Tourism: The Case of Cumalıkızık Village in Bursa

Tourism is altering the physical fabric of Cumalıkızık Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the rural-urban dynamics of the Early Ottoman Empire. Research shows that increasing tourism has led to commercial adaptations in traditional houses along key sightseeing routes, threatening their authenticity and sustainability. The study analyzed three historic dwellings—selected for their prominence on the main tourist path—revealing interventions such as modifications to courtyards and facades, often driven by owner-led efforts to capitalize on visitor interest. These changes, while enhancing economic viability, risk compromising the village's cultural integrity, posing challenges for preservation in World Heritage contexts.

Bilgin, E. A., Arslan, T. V., & Durak, S. (2019). Physical Changes in World Heritage Sites under the Pressure of Tourism: The Case of Cumalıkızık Village in Bursa. European Journal of Sustainable Development, 8(2), 249. https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2019.v8n2p249