BEST EN Think Tank VIII Sustaining Quality of Life through Tourism Izmir, Turkey June 24-27, 2008 An Assessment of Efforts to Enhance the Quality of Life in Mordoğan: A Case Study Prof. Dr. Turgut Var (Izmir University of Economics) Prof. Dr. Erhan Ada (Izmir University of Economics) Assist. Prof. Dr. Gökçe Özdemir (Yaşar University) Assist. Prof. Dr. Deniz Hasırcı (Izmir University of Economics)

Mordoğan The Land of the Purple Dawn

Establishment and operation of a vocational training center in the Municipality of Mordoğan, Izmir. Promotion of local sustainable tourism, and agricultural development. Combatting unemployment, and steady decline in the young population.

The Tourism Information Booth of the Municipality

Mythological history and natural beauty Lowest economical indicators among 28 districts of Izmir Solution by creation of a center acting as a significant innovative structure promoting local sustainable development through vocational training. The center’s focus was on youth and women. Wider sustainable progress of the district and residents.

Two Complimentary Phases 1. October 2003 – May 2004: Establishment of a center Vocational training activities Donations by international agencies and contribution of the municipality 160m 2 area in the Municipality Hall. Restored, repaired, equipped with tools, facilities, administration.

The Computer Labs The Vocational Training Center

Administration Area

2. December 2004 – May 2005: Socio-economic study through local participation and formulation of a strategic plan Innovation and Regional Development Center located in the Mordoğan Vocational Training Center Promote local entrepreneural skills Contribute to the sustainable agriculture including fisheries and sustainable tourism

Five Years After the Beginning of the Project First, the setback: The “Blue Flag” belonging to the beaches of Mordoğan has been lost. Getting it back is compulsory. The population is decreasing and town populations of under 3000 cannot receive credit for sewer systems. A new sewer system (82 km.) and sewer treatment plant by the Izmir Greater Municipality is being established for domestic and commercial waste.

Reefs as breeding grounds for fish have been recently established. The aim is to revitalize local fishing and related tourism.

Among future plans are building of artificial coral reefs.

Mythology Festival Meeting with the Sea Festival Caricature Competition and Festival

Progress Two new hotels have been built (Aras Beach and Hotel Begovil that house meetings and health care conventions). Local Associations have taken initiative for the development and promotion of Mordoğan. The mayor has kept his position and thus, is supportive of the cause. Elephant fossils from 10 million years ago were found. Courses have opened with the help of the Municipality that -without the initiated awareness- would not have.

Elephant remains from 10 million years ago (Exhibited in the Ege University, Natural History Museum). Found in the sea (proof of elephant roaming in the area before the time of the Aegean Sea).

Also giraffe, tiger, deer, rhinoceros remains were found from 10 million years ago.

Ceramics and Pottery Computer Skills (A laboratory - computers to be renewed) Jewellery Making Handicrafts

The Pottery Atelier

The Pottery Space - Kiln

Ceramic Artwork

Other Wonders of Mordoğan as Sources of Income Capers Artichoke Jam French Lavender (Karabaş Otu Çiçeği) Jam Daffodils (Narcissus)

a myth of 5000 years.

Capers

Future Steps Establishing and empowering women’s associations. Funding these associations by means of resources such as UNWTO (UN World Tourism Organization), as the project meets millenium criteria. Promotion of fossils found in the area.

In today’s economy, local, regional, and international cooperation and sharing of knowledge and experience play a critical importance in the sustainability of development. The Vocational Training Center in Mordoğan has been included within a network of similar centers and enterprises in order to share and compare experiences, and contribute to the body of knowledge.

The project has been finalized but project related activities will continue: Reduction of poverty and unemployment, especially among youth and women. Bringing the town its real value through sustainable tourism.

Architecture of the Area

View of the Mordoğan Coast

The Mordoğan Coast – Walkway

Mordoğan Boats

View of the Mordoğan Sky

View of the Mordoğan Coast

Thank You!