USING THE CULTUREL IDENTITY AND GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION IN TOURISTIC SOUVENIRS: CASE OF TURKEY

Ayşem YANAR¹

The unique architectural structure, food, clothing and local handicrafts of a region are elements that serve to preserve its culture and convey it to new generations. Handmade products provide information about the characteristic of a region for both domestic and foreign tourists. Souvenirs should be unique to the region, functional, and easy to carry and should be of good quality. The aim of this study is to make suggestions to dispel the degeneration of Turkish touristic souvenirs making use of geographical indications. Regional products and handcrafted souvenirs have characteristics that will stimulate ideas for new designs and that will improve existing products in the market. Eight groups have been identified for the development of new souvenir products and suggestions have been based on this classification.

Keywords
Handicraft, Souvenir, Geographical Indication, Regional Product, Sustainability,