Lake Van and its surroundings bear the traces of many civilizations from prehistoric times to the present day due to its critical geographical location, which makes it a special region with extensive natural, historical, cultural and social values. The authenticity of the region entails the preparation of a management plan that will guide the conservation and the wise use of the assets for the sustainable development of the region. A management plan for the region should be based on the principle of sustainability, with a consideration of ecological aspects, and should include physical, environmental, economic, cultural, social and institutional dimensions, as well as well-established coordination between central-local administrations and all stakeholders including non-governmental organizations, trade associations and universities. Ensuring a balance between production-consumption-waste; the protection of natural and cultural values; equal use of urban-social-cultural infrastructure facilities by different social groups and the making of sustainability-oriented development strategies and policies are among the key research areas that the new management plan should address. It is equally important for the plan to determine the risks and elaborate the measures to protect the historical environment and to transfer it to future generations to ensure its continuity.

             This study offers a spatial basis from an urban planning perspective for a comprehensive management plan that was aforementioned. It identifies the assets that potentially have touristic values and presents a spatial analysis of natural and cultural assets in relation to Lake Van and its vicinity. Until today, the natural, historical and cultural assets that are potential touristic attractions were not used effectively due to the negative image of the region and the low socio-economic development index. However; the development of the tourism sector in Lake Van and its vicinity can help the elimination of migration, unemployment, infrastructure, interregional inequality, etc., and contribute to the economic development of the region. All efforts to be undertaken for the development of tourism in the region should prioritize the sustainability of natural and cultural values from a strategic planning approach that proceeds from upper scale to lower scale.