Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
GEOHERITAGE, cilt.18, sa.2, ss.1-15, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
The Kazdağ Massif (northwestern Anatolia-Türkiye) represents a well-exposed Oligocene–Miocene metamorphic core complex formed within the Aegean extensional system. It preserves an exceptional lithological and structural assemblage, including high-grade gneiss–migmatite units, metaophiolites, platform-derived marbles, syn-extensional plutonism, and low-angle detachment faults and shear-zones. This study synthesizes existing geological, structural, metamorphic, and thermochronological data to evaluate the Kazdağ Massif from a geoheritage perspective. Comparative analysis with other Aegean and global metamorphic core complexes demonstrates that Kazdağ combines features rarely preserved together within a compact and accessible area, providing outstanding scientific, educational, and representational value.
Quantitative evaluation yields a Scientific Value score of 310 (Very High; international significance), a Potential Educational Use score of 300 (Very High), and a Potential Touristic Use score of 320 (Very High), while Degradation Risk (205) indicates a moderate vulnerability level. The massif’s strong representativeness, rarity, geological diversity, and didactic clarity—combined with its accessibility and landscape expression—support its recognition as a high-ranking geoheritage site. The results highlight the necessity of systematic inventory, quantitative monitoring, and risk-sensitive management to ensure long-term conservation and sustainable geotourism integration.