Spatial Perceptions and Thoughts of Retirement Migrants in the Case of Kazdağı (Ida Mountain) National Park and Its Vicinity (Balıkesir-Turkey)

In this study, it is examined retirement migrants’, who prefer to live in Kazdağı Mountain National Park and its settlements in the vicinity, thoughts and perceptions regarding this area, and whether these thoughts and perceptions are related. The aim of the study is to question whether there is a meaningful relationship between retirement migrants’ perceptions and thoughts regarding human and natural environment of Kazdağı Mountain. In this study, mixed model was adopted. In this context, 127 retirement migrants were surveyed, while 30 retirement migrants were applied mind map technique. As a result of the research, it was understood that retirement migrants perceptions about KMNP were related with their thoughts. It is determined that those who find the environment around KMNP good, beautiful, tidy and well-kept have positive thoughts about the natural environment. Retirement migrants in the sample also find the research area as airy, natural, calm and peaceful.