An international research project has resulted in the establishment of a new UNESCO Cultural Route in Turkey.
Created as part of a project to generate interest in Turkey’s vanishing horse culture and to reconnect Turkish people with their heritage, the Evilya Celebi Way is the first designated route of its kind to give tourists the opportunity to see remote landscapes in Turkey from horseback.
It also provides them with an opportunity to experience how the physical and logistical conditions of travelling in this way can help people engage with local communities.
Led by Professor Donna Landry of the University’s School of English, the research involved re-enactment of the 1671 horseback journey undertaken for 40 days by Evliya Çelebi – one of Ottoman Turkey’s greatest writers, travellers and historians – en route to Mecca. By celebrating the life and work of Evliya Çelebi, the new route aims to appeal to people interested in preserving Turkey’s heritage through sustainable tourism.
The research has influenced cultural policymakers in Turkey and helped provide new opportunities for tourism. It has also promoted awareness of Ottoman and equestrian history internationally.
Read more about the Evliya Çelebi Way tourist route.
The book THE EVLIYA ÇELEBI WAY Turkey’s First Long-Distance Walking and Riding Route is also available online.
For further information contact Katie Newton.