Mugla region looks to cultural tourism

Turkey's Mugla region, home to world-class yachting locations such as Fethiye and Gocek as well as the popular beach getaway of Bodrum, is looking at ways to put cultural heritage at the forefront of its tourism strategy.

The Mugla Directorate of Culture and Tourism Ministry is looking at a number of ways in which the area's cultural potential can be exploited to the full in the tourism sector, reports the Turkish Daily News.

Examples of the initiative is the encouragement of the mass manufacturing of dolls in Comakdag which will provide a focal point for visitors as well as providing employment for many women and girls in the district.

An effort to promote the region's culinary character is also underway, identifying some of the traditional recipes which have come from the region.

Like many areas of Turkey, Mugla has a rich history, with many different ancient civilisations leaving their mark.

The director of Mugla culture and tourism office Murat Suslu told the newspaper: "Mugla might have a good fortune in cultural terms when you have acloser look at the history and the ethnographic structure of the area."

Over 100 antique cities can be found in Mugla, where much archaeological research and excavations take place.

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