The role of tourism in the sustainability of cultural heritage: qualitative research on Turkish bath culture

This research aims to examine Turkish bath culture in depth within the context of cultural heritage, assessing the contemporary continuity and transformation of traditional bathing practices, spatial and symbolic objects, and ritual-based practices using a holistic approach. A semi-structured interview technique was carefully selected for this study, based on a qualitative method. Interviews were conducted in 20 active baths in the Fatih district of Istanbul, which are considered spatially and functionally representative and possess a strong historical context. The data obtained were analysed in detail through a descriptive analysis process. The findings clearly demonstrate a high degree of continuity in traditional bathing practices and professional roles such as “tellaklık” and “natırlık”, while bath objects continue to be used largely in their authentic form. However, it has been observed that culturally meaningful ritual practices such as the bridal bath, the groom's bath, and the forty bath are becoming increasingly rare and, in some cases, have transformed into symbolic representations. This situation makes it urgently necessary to address Turkish bath culture comprehensively and to develop innovative strategies to ensure its sustainability.