Reanimating Ottoman Heritage Sites: Assessment of Štip

The study aims to achieve two goals: (i) To investigate the main prevailing factors for reanimating Ottoman heritage sites (OHS); and (ii) To assess possibilities for developing Ottoman heritage tourism product. This is done by elaborating the case of Štip (Macedonia), where five sites are identified as an Ottoman heritage. The analysis is based on a qualitative research method and incorporates: (a) Qualitative data analysis, by conducting interviews with stakeholders from local and central level who are directly or indirectly involved in issues related to the OHS; (b) Modified version of the model suggested by Krakover (2016) on heritage tourism formation; and (c) Secondary data sources analysis, by reviewing literature and historical data related to Ottoman history and OHS in Štip. Generally, it was concluded that currently, the investigated OHS are in an inadequate appearance, so only scarce tourism valorization can be done. On the other hand, they all possess uniqueness, esthetic, architectural, historic and educational value, and may be related to many legends, myths and stories, thus been completely suitable to be presented as tourism products and part of a tourist route. From four assessed motives, the deliberate decision for tourism development, along with the potential economic benefits were surfaced as the main factors for reanimating OHS, thus boosting cultural tourism development. Finally, the study recommends design and development of an Ottoman heritage tourism product, but not as a separate product of Štip, but rather as a regional, or even national product, which may be promoted in a tailor-made tourist route