An Investigation of Tufa Microbialites in the Terrestrial Ecosystem of Adilcevaz (Bitlis) According to the Conservation Approach

Due to their rarity, scientific, and aesthetic value, or being a part of an important geological process, some natural formations (like calc tufa) on Earth have to be protected. While the formation and development processes of the microbialites in Lake Van continue, the microbiolites in Adilcevaz remained outside the lake and became fossils. These structures are arranged approximately 200 m wide and 800 m long, reaching heights of 6 m in places. In this study, the area where the Adilcevaz tufa microbialites, surviving to the present day as a remnant of the level change stages of Lake Van as well as their aesthetic appearance and scientific importance, was evaluated according to the conservation approach. Phenomenology research design, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the study. Although the research is basically a field study, secondary sources were used and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The semi-structured interview technique, one of the qualitative research techniques, was used for the interviews that were held with the participants on the basis of pre-prepared questionnaire forms. Following the interviews, the data were evaluated with descriptive and interpretive analyzes. As a result of the field observations and interviews, the area was suggested to be evaluated as a “natural monument” to protect it and carry out activities for tourism purposes. It is understood that the area has an important potential in terms of ecotourism, and should be proposed to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Lake Van microbialites, the largest microbialites in the world.