An Important Summer Resort from the Past to the Present: Golcuk Lake and Highland

Abstract

The paper is a continuation of the previously published study dealing with the physical geography of the Golcuk Lake, as well as its surroundings. The aforementioned study tried to investigate the formation of the lake, morphometry and relief of its depression, geomorphology of its catchment basin, how it is fed, water level changes, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the lake water in a relatively detailed manner. The Golcuk Lake and Highland is an important summer resort in the Western Anatolia region on account of its many natural and human attractions such as its location, means of transportation, magnificent sceneries of different geographic landscape, climate, water sources, existence of forest lands, transhumance and agricultural activities, etc. Likewise, there are many tourist facilities such as hotels, guesthouses, summer houses and tea gardens on the lakeshore to meet the needs of the visitors coming to the location on a daytrip or longer vacations, and furthermore, the resort is preferred by some sports clubs as a camping site. The paper deals with the recreational features of the Golcuk Lake and Highland, which has maintained its importance in almost any historical period, in a variety of aspects taking into consideration the process of historical development from the Aydinogullari Principality to the present. In this context, interest of the notable administrators of the state particularly during the times of the Aydinogullari Principality, the Ottoman Empire and the first period of the Republic in the resort is covered. Furthermore, some recommendations are made for preserving and putting the existing potentials of the Golcuk Lake and Highland to good use.