A Dark Tourism Destination From The Perspective Of Social Studies Teacher Candidates: Ulucanlar Prison

Abstract

This study examined social studies teacher candidates’ experiences regarding the Ulucanlar Prison Museum. The study was conducted using the phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research designs. The study group consisted of 12 social studies teacher candidates, including third- and fourth-year students enrolled in the Department of Social Studies Education at the Faculty of Education of a state university during the 2024–2025 academic year. Criterion sampling, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to select the study group. A semi-structured interview form was used as the data collection instrument, and the data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that the concept of “dark tourism” primarily evoked concepts such as prisons, wars, tragic events, and genocide among the social studies teacher candidates. The participants were generally found to have a positive perspective on the transformation of sites associated with suffering into tourism destinations. In addition, the participants stated that the sounds coming from the cells were the element that affected them the most and that such sites contributed to the development of empathy skills as well as the values of justice and freedom. It is considered that visiting the Ulucanlar Prison Museum can contribute to developing historical consciousness and awareness among teacher candidates, students, and other individuals. When asked about their recommendations regarding the museum visit, the participants stated that conducting research prior to the visit would be more appropriate.