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20КУЛЬТУРОЛОГИЯ
COMMUNITY- BASED TOURISM: OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF
AZERBAIJAN
AYDAN SALMANOVA
Master Student of The Faculty of Culturology, Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts
Scientific supervisor-N. ASADOV Baku, Azerbaijan
Annotation. In this work, it is focused on the community-based tourism, tourism through which the local population seeks to improve their socioeconomic situation and conserve the natural resources, through the contact established between the local community and the tourist. Azerbaijan's climate, rich nature, material and cultural monuments allow the development of new types of tourism. Tourism resources are promising in terms of the development of historical, ecological, exotic, natural, sports and cultural tourism, and so forth. Azerbaijan can be considered one of the most promising countries in the field of community-based tourism, for tourists from all over the world, especially from Europe. The unique experience opportunities in our country, especially the presence of different communities, multiculturalism arouse the interest of hundreds of tourists who are looking for differences every day. It is not surprising that in recent years Khinalig, Lahij, etc. the flow of tourists to our regions continues to increase.
Keywords: community-based tourism, sustainability, Azerbaijan, CBT, culture, indigenous, empowerment.
In recent years there has been a change in the tastes of travelers towards new types of tourism consisting of discovering new destinations, carrying out different activities, and looking for proposals related, in certain cases, to local customs, ethnicity, and the origins of certain cultures. Thus, for years, destinations have been working on the development of new forms of tourism that are alternatives to mass tourism. They are forming whose purpose is, on the one hand, to respect and conserve nature, and, on the other hand, to improve the socio-economic development of local communities. In other words, they are configured as sustainable tourism in the destination where it takes place. Thus, among these new forms of alternative tourism, we find community-based tourism, ecotourism, gastronomic tourism, etc. Community-based tourism is one of the most authentic forms of responsible tourism and is based on the role of the local community in the management of tourist activities [3, pp. 39-45]. The goal is to guarantee local and fair economic repercussions, support for projects of collective interest, the environmental sustainability of tourism, and respect for the identity, culture, and traditions of the inhabitants. This form of tourism, therefore, brings benefits to the local community, counteracting situations of economic, social, and environmental difficulty.
For a correct understanding of the concept of Community-based tourism (CBT), it is initially necessary to dwell on the very concept of community, as the key element that characterizes this type of tourism. The Latin term communitas derives from communis (cum-munus) "who fulfills his task (munus) together with (cum) others. The term is used to indicate a group of people united by bonds of belonging, by one or more factors (race, territory, language, religion, profession, economy, politics). In the social sciences, the term is associated with two meanings. The first refers to those social relationships which involve the individual (small communities, national communities, families, and social units) that present characteristics of high integration [4, pp. 33-47]. The second, however, refers to the community as an organized context, as a set of relationships, decisions, collaborations, and collective life characterized by a profound sense of belonging, trust, and mutual dedication. There are various definitions of community-based tourism, which present strong similarities and some differences, which probably derive from different sensitivities and experiences gained in particular
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contexts; but all in all, it is a matter of nuances, of underlining rather than differences of substance [4, pp. 33-47].. CBT can therefore be defined as a form of tourism that is "owned" by the community and owns its management, to provide wider benefits to the community itself. Community-based tourism should include the below-mentioned issues [6, p. 2]:
■ be actualized with the inclusion and assent of the nearby communities;
■ ensure a fair distribution of profits among the local community;
■ involve the community rather than just individuals;
■ be eco-sustainable;
■ respect traditional culture and social structures;
■ provide community support mechanisms in order to address the tourism impact on the destination;
■ maintain or turn to market "niches" in order to minimize the socio-cultural and environmental impact;
■ provide appropriate instructions on appropriate behaviors to be implemented by tourists;
■ not to involve local communities in inappropriate ceremonies or similar practices, thus not allowing the communities themselves to be trivialized and made spectacular;
■ leaving communities free to choose whether to allow tourism practices on their territory.
The major benefit of community-based tourism is that experiences are provided and managed
by residents. Additionally, it is possible to underline and point out reducing poverty, reducing family disintegration, creating job opportunities, opportunities to sell local products and productive families, reducing migration to major cities, preserving community culture, obtaining a better education rate, and empowering them with knowledge and skills that help them manage tourism activity, and provide some basic services that every community needs [1, pp. 2-15]. By sharing locals' lifestyles, tourists become more aware and knowledgeable of other cultures and traditions.
On the other hand, community-based tourism enables tourists to discover natural environments and wildlife and interact with traditional cultures and rituals, and this would enhance the community conservation of these resources [5, pp. 28-50]. What distinguishes the development of the concept of community-based tourism is that it is supposed to be based on the principle of sustainability. When developing a destination with this concept, it usually contributes to preserving these resources, in addition to increasing the pride of the local population in the cultural heritage that they work to highlight to tourists, which helps to sustain it and pass it on to other generations.
The whole process, communities with their resources, become a part of the field, possible development, and also the country's tourism, indirectly obtained general, economic, and environmental science boosts. As a result, they both earn and profit by serving society. The visiting tourists can get acquainted with the country they are visiting in the most intimate way possible and can take new and unique experiences with them to their homeland. There are like this unique chance in the lands of Azerbaijan.
As one of the oldest nations on Earth, the people of Azerbaijan are proud of their rich history, cultural monuments, literature, art, and music. The beautiful nature and climate in Azerbaijan have had a significant impact on the artistic thinking and creativity of the people. The regions of the country have beautiful opportunities to develop community-based tourism. Below mentioned regions are suitable for this purpose.
Sheki-Zagatala economic region - has historically been one of the areas where art and crafts developed. This region includes Gabala, Oguz, Sheki, Gakh, Zagatala, and Balakan. The beautiful nature of the Sheki-Zagatala economic region has made it an important recreation-tourism region of Azerbaijan. Thus, the socio-economic and cultural infrastructure of the Sheki-Zagatala economic region of the Republic of Azerbaijan is marked by its efficient development line against the general background of our country's development. Among the main indicators of the socio-economic and cultural infrastructure of the Shaki-Zagatala economic region, which is an integral part of the state of Azerbaijan, has an important role in the preservation and development of national and moral values,
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and has an important specificity as a tourist center in our republic due to its nature, ecological and geographical characteristics, cultural institutions, especially libraries, cultural houses, archives, museums occupy a special place. Zagatala State Reserve, Ilisu State Reserve, Zagatala Waterfall, Khalakhi Lake, and Malarasa Pass are among the most beautiful natural monuments in the region [2, pp. 2-63]. The region has mountain systems, mountainous massifs, forest massifs, mountain caves, fauna and flora, water resources, rivers, lakes, mineral and thermal springs, and glaciers, with different physical and chemical composition treatment waters.
Thanks to the selfless work of the artisans, an extraordinarily rich historical and cultural heritage has been created in this economic region. Blacksmithing, shoemaking, netting, carpet weaving, coppersmithing, hat making, silk making, souvenir production, and several other arts have been handed down from generation to generation and have reached our time. The region occupies a special place among the centers of traditional confectionery art of Azerbaijan. The presence of agriculture, intensive horticulture, seed-growing, tea-growing, tobacco-growing, and cultivation of silkworms in the region may draw the attention of the practitioners of community-based tourism. They have a chance to visit local markets and shopping places, bazaar areas, villages, and farms to experience the many flavors and smells of local cuisine and this is a great way to get to know the traditions and customs. It should be noted that nothing beats spending time with the locals' storytelling by the campfire or participating in a traditional handicraft or pottery class.
Karabakh economic region - contains Khojaly, Khojavand, Shusha, Tartar, Barda, Aghdam, Agjabedi, and Fuzuli. The Fuzuli region of Azerbaijan famous for its valuable forests, underground resources, unusual flora and fauna, charming nature, and many springs with rich mineral deposits is rich in ancient history and culture. Azikh cave in Khojavand region is a shelter for rare species of bats. In these reserves, which are the national and cultural wealth of our republic, there are hundreds of relict, rare higher, and primitive plant species, including twenty one species endemic to Azerbaijan, eighty two species endemic to the Caucasus, as well as hundreds of rare and endangered species, and about three thousand industrially important plants [2, pp. 2-63]. The archaeological findings obtained during the excavations prove that the history of the region is quite ancient. The region has many historical monuments from the ancient period as well as from later periods of development, such as medieval castles, settlements, and architectural and sculptural structures. This rich history makes the region a valuable tourist destination. Oriental planes are protected as a natural monument in the villages of I§ikli, Boyuk Bahmanli, and Seyidahmadli. Our Karabakh has made a noise to the world not only with its culture, art, and nature but also with its horses. Karabakh horses are considered the oldest horse breed in Asia and the Caucasus [2, pp. 2-63]. So, riding Karabakh horses can be an example of community-based tourism.
Central Aran economic region - contains Mingachevir, Yevlakh, Goychay, Agdash, Ujar, Zardab, and Kurdamir. The list of the cultural heritage of the region includes various crafts, holidays, and festivals. Azerbaijan's religious (Ramadan, Sacrifice) and national holidays (Nowruz holiday), and festivals (Pomegranate festival) can be attributed to such events. Pomegranate varieties grown in different villages of Goychay, and products made from them are brought to the district center on Pomegranate Day and displayed at an exhibition organized in the city square. Performances of young athletes and concert programs are held in the city center. In addition, many objects related to human activity can be attributed to the cultural-historical factors that can cause tourist interest: original industry, agriculture, transport facilities, scientific institutions, universities, theaters, sports facilities, botanical and vegetable gardens, zoos, aquariums, and oceanariums, ethnographic and folklore examples, handicrafts, as well as historically preserved national traditions, holidays, etc.
Guba-Khachmaz Economic Region - Guba-Khachmaz economic-geographic region is in the North-Eastern part of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It includes Khachmaz, Guba, Gusar, Shabran, and Siyazan administrative regions. The surface structure of the region resembles a miniature model of the republic. This economic region has a dense river network fed by the snow and glacier waters of the Greater Caucasus and abundant water resources. Among the various natural resources in the
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territory of the economic region, Siyazan oil, gravel, sand, and clay are used the most. Restoration, protection, and management of the ecosystem of globally important mountain forests and grasslands located in the highlands, preservation of the fertile layer of the soil, protection, increase and enrichment of the species of flora and fauna characteristic of the area, as well as regulation of the stability of the natural complex, conducting scientific research, works creation of more favorable conditions for tourism, as well as environmental monitoring, ecological education of the population and ensuring the development of ecotourism in the area with great tourism potential. The forests of these places are famous for their rich, charming, and beautiful scenery.
Lankaran-Astara economic region - Although Astara, Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli, Yardimli, and Jalilabad districts form one economic unit, each district has its uniqueness. From the point of view of development prospects of ecological tourism in these regions: the availability of tourism infrastructure, transport convenience, natural historical places, etc. allows to reveal the tourism potential there. Lankaran region, one of the green regions of our country, is located on the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea, where the river of the same name flows into the Caspian Sea. Lankaran region has rich flora and fauna, with fascinating scenic nature and rare flora. The relict and endemic trees growing in the Talysh mountains are famous all over the world. Ironwood, azat, silk acacia, oak, eucalyptus, cork tree, velvet-colored birch, and hyrkan pumice stone are rightly considered the pearls of the Lankaran flora. In addition to giving this region all its beauty - majestic mountains, blue sea, and green forests, nature has also taken care of people's health in these places. In the mountainous areas of the region, there are three springs of therapeutic importance, including hot water with a mineral content that cures people. The fascinating nature of the region and its natural beauty create favorable conditions for the development of community-based ecotourism.
The tourism sector, by its nature, is in contact with many societies. Meeting the needs of the societies with which it is in contact, making them comfortable, and ensuring that they satisfactorily leave the tourism event is among the primary objectives of tourism. Tourism decision-makers focusing on this purpose may overlook the expectations of the local community, throw them into the background or even ignore them. Especially in regions where mass tourism activities take place, local people earn almost no income from tourism revenues, so they can sometimes complain about their activities within the scope of tourism and sometimes from tourists coming to the region. In this context, community-based tourism is an alternative type of tourism that minimizes these complaints of the local people and will ensure that the local people share the income obtained from tourism activities and contribute to sustainable tourism.
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