9th INTERNATIONAL WEST ASIA CONGRESS OF TOURISM RESEARCH : PROCEEDINGS = TAM METİN KİTABI

Abstract

Throughout human history, the earliest tourism activities were largely motivated by religious purposes. During these journeys, people sought to enhance their sense of self and enrich their cultural relations and economic conditions through the material and spiritual experiences they gained. Today, the places and routes shaped by these ancient practices attract great attention. Sacred mountains, temples, cemeteries, and the cities and countries that host them offer visitors meaningful and memorable experiences. In this context, the province of Bitlis stands out with its rich historical and cultural fabric. As an ancient settlement, Bitlis offers not only a religious and cultural heritage passed down from the past but also significant opportunities for the simultaneous preservation of traditional values and religious beliefs alongside the possibilities offered by modernity—provided this heritage is understood and conveyed free from prejudice. However, due to ideological and methodological habits, it cannot be said that effective and meaningful connections between the modern and the traditional are sufficiently established in tourism activities. For example, while most of the cultural heritage in tourism consists of objects or symbols of faith, modern tourism practices often insist on secular methods. This approach may seem justified to some extent, as traditional religious motivations often present cultural heritage with a didactic intent, neglecting the fact that visitors may have different beliefs and lifestyles. In fact, a holistic approach that brings these two perspectives together would significantly enhance Bitlis’s share in tourism. In other words, building sensible bridges between modernity and tradition would allow for the creation of meaningful experiences for both the local community and visitors, while also supporting economic development. This study aims to identify the role of faculties of theology—particularly the Faculty of Theology at Bitlis Eren University—in bridging the gap between these ideologically and methodologically alienated perspectives. Conducted through a literature review method, the study concludes that the Faculty of Theology at Bitlis Eren University has significant potential to contribute in areas such as religious and academic knowledge production, the preservation and promotion of sacred sites, spiritual guidance, raising public awareness, training local experts for guidance and consultancy, influencing local development, and supporting religious tourism. In this regard, as part of Bitlis Eren University’s specialization policy in the field of tourism, it is believed that constructing a new building in the style of traditional Bitlis architecture for the Faculty of Theology—which currently lacks its own facility—and supporting the institutional culture with an academic staff that blends modern and traditional approaches will make important contributions to the city's tourism potential.