Rural Development through Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Cultural and Economic Transformative Potential of Pottery

Intangible cultural heritage plays a significant role in the development of cultural tourism and the sustainable development of rural areas. In recent years, tourists' growing interest in authentic and local experiences has positioned handicrafts as strategic attractions within tourism destinations. This study examines the pottery tradition of Kınık Village in Bilecik Province, which has a history of approximately 150 years, in terms of its tourism potential and contribution to rural development. The research adopts a qualitative approach, and the data obtained from face-to-face interviews with seven pottery artisans actively working in Kınık Village were analysed using content analysis. The findings reveal that pottery production in Kınık Village strengthens local identity, contributes to both female and male employment, and has the potential to generate local income through tourism activities. Moreover, the village -recognized for the distinctive Kınık akıtma pattern and home to Europe's largest ceramic jar- offers a differentiated and destination-specific tourism experience by enhancing the visibility of local and cultural values. However, the outmigration of young people poses a significant threat to the sustainability and intergenerational transmission of this traditional craft. In conclusion, integrating pottery into tourism activities and supporting it through conservation-oriented policies contribute not only to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage but also to the strengthening of rural development and cultural sustainability.