Abstract

Selcuk which is one of the most important places of ancient times hosts visitors who come to see the Virgin Mary House which is accepted as sacred for the Christians. In Virgin Mary House which is also accepted as holy for the Muslims a religious ceremony is hold in every 15th of August and these ceremonies attract intense attention. This research, in which the spatial analysis of Virgin Mary House and its close environment which is one of the most important places of culture and belief tourism were done, was discussed in four main parts; definition of the subject, data collection, findings and analysis and evaluation and synthesis. In the fieldworks, the research area which came to the forefront with its religious – touristic properties was analyzed in terms of physical, socio- cultural, visual and sensory aspects by using the original analyzing forms and solutions were offered to increase the spatial potential. The research was also supported with the field observations. As a result of the research, the meeting level of the users’ expectations according to either servicing or functionality of the spatial features of Virgin Mary House and its close environment was determined and solutions were offered.

Key words: Selcuk, Virgin Mary House, spatial analysis.