Giresun, Turkey
Region: Giresun province
Geographic Coordinates: 40.915300, 38.389400
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Population: 135920
Language: Turkish
Giresun is a lovely city situated in Turkey’s Black Sea region, Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Rich history, And distinct culture. The city has a population of approximately 100, 000 people and covers an area of around 4, 000 square kilometers. One of Giresun’s most notable features is its stunning coastline that stretches over 90 kilometers along the Black Sea. The beaches are pristine and offer visitors the chance to relax while taking in the gorgeous sea views. Boat trips along the coast are available to explore hidden coves and secluded beaches.
Giresun is also recognized for its hazelnut production that accounts for about 80% of Turkey’s total output. Visitors can take tours through hazelnut orchards to learn about how these nuts are grown and processed into various products such as chocolate spreads or roasted nuts. The ancient castle located at Giresun’s center dates back to Byzantine times when it served as a fortress against invading armies. Today it stands as an essential cultural landmark that attracts tourists worldwide who come to marvel at its impressive architecture.
Another attraction worth visiting in Giresun is Atatürk Museum housing artifacts related to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, One of Turkey’s prominent leaders during its early years as an independent nation. For nature enthusiasts, Several national parks near Giresun offer hiking trails through lush forests filled with diverse flora and fauna or bird watching at Lake Küçük (Small Lake), One of Turkey’s largest freshwater lakes. no visit to Giresun would be complete without trying some local cuisine such as pide (a type of Turkish pizza), Hamsi (Black Sea anchovy), Or mıhlama (a traditional cheese dish).
Visitors can also shop for souvenirs and locally made products at the bustling bazaar in the city. Giresun offers something for everyone with its stunning natural beauty, Rich history, And unique culture. It has become one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations in recent years, And it’s easy to see why.
- Giresun Castle
- Giresun Island
- Ordu-Giresun Airport
- G-City Shopping Center
- Kale Camii Mosque
- Kuzalan Waterfall
- Tasbasi Cultural Center & Museum
- Bulancak Plateau
- Tirebolu Castle
- Gogceli Waterfall
- Agriculture: Giresun is known for its hazelnut production, which is the main agricultural product of the region.
- Fishing: The city has a long coastline and a rich marine life, making fishing an important industry.
- Tourism: Giresun has many natural attractions such as beaches, forests, and mountains that attract tourists from all over the world.
- Textile industry: The city has a well-established textile industry that produces cotton fabrics and clothing items.
- Construction: With the growing population of the city, there is always a demand for new residential and commercial buildings.
- Education: Giresun has several universities and educational institutions that provide education to students from all over Turkey.
- Healthcare services: There are several hospitals and healthcare facilities in Giresun that provide medical services to locals as well as tourists visiting the region.
- Banking sector: Several banks have branches in Giresun providing financial services to individuals and businesses alike.
- Transportation sector: The city serves as an important transportation hub connecting different parts of Turkey through its highways, airports, seaports etc., making it an important location for logistics companies too.
Overall, agriculture (hazelnuts), fishing & tourism are considered as major industries in Giresun while other sectors also contribute significantly towards economic growth of this region in Turkey.
- The ancient Greek city of Kerasous, which is now known as Giresun, played a pivotal role as a trading center during the Hellenistic period.
- Giresun continued to be an essential port for Black Sea trade routes during the Roman Empire.
- After the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Giresun became part of the Byzantine Empire until it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1461.
- In the 17th century, Evliya Çelebi, a renowned Ottoman explorer visited Giresun and documented its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who founded modern Turkey visited Giresun in 1924 and delivered a speech at its historic castle.
- Yaşar Kemal is one of Turkey’s most celebrated authors who was born in Hemite village near Giresun back in 1923.
- In recent years, hazelnut production has become synonymous with Giresun as it exports around half of Turkey’s total hazelnut crop each year.
- Giresun Castle is an ancient fortress situated atop a hill and provides spectacular views of the Black Sea.
- Gogora Church is a historic Armenian church from the 19th century, known for its beautiful architecture and intricate frescoes.
- The Giresun Museum showcases the history and culture of the city, featuring artifacts from ancient times to modern-day.
- Atatürk House Museum was once home to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, now serves as a museum that highlights his life and accomplishments.
- Kümbet Mosque is an Ottoman-era mosque with unique architectural features such as its domed roof and minaret.
- Tirebolu Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle located in nearby Tirebolu town that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- Taşbaşı Cultural Center hosts exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events throughout the year.
- Şebinkarahisar Castle in Şebinkarahisar town is one of Turkey’s best-preserved medieval fortresses with a rich history dating back to Roman times.
- Karagöl Nature Park is a picturesque park outside Giresun that features hiking trails through lush forests around Karagöl (Black Lake).
- Kösedağ National Park near Giresun boasts scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas & camping facilities amidst stunning natural scenery.
- Giresunspor is the main sports team in Giresun, Turkey.
- The team was founded in 1967.
- They have played in various leagues throughout their history, including the Turkish Super League.
- The team’s colors are red and white.
- Their home stadium is the Giresun Atatürk Stadium.
- Another notable sports team from Giresun is the women’s volleyball team, Giresun Belediyespor.
- They have competed in various national and international competitions over the years.
- In addition to these teams, there are also amateur clubs and teams that participate in various sports such as:
- Basketball
- Handball
- Wrestling
- Giresun International Highlanders Festival: This festival celebrates the traditional lifestyle of the highlanders in Giresun and features folk music, dance performances, and exhibitions.
- Giresun Hazelnut Festival: As Giresun is famous for its hazelnuts, this festival celebrates the harvest season with food stalls selling hazelnut-based products and cultural activities.
- Kure Mountains Nature Festival: This festival aims to promote ecotourism in the Kure Mountains region of Giresun and includes hiking tours, bird watching trips, and nature photography competitions.
- Black Sea Folklore Festival: This annual event showcases traditional folk music and dance performances from various regions around the Black Sea.
- International Cherry Festival: Held in the town of Alucra in Giresun province, this festival celebrates cherry season with concerts, parades, and cherry-picking competitions.
- International Pide (Turkish Pizza) Festival: Pide is a popular Turkish dish similar to pizza but with a different crust style. This festival celebrates pide-making traditions from different regions of Turkey.
- Zeytinlik Olive Harvest Festivals: These festivals celebrate olive harvesting traditions in several villages around Giresun province with food stalls selling olive-based products such as oil and soap along with cultural activities like live music performances and dances.
- Hamsikoy Pidesi: A traditional Turkish dish made with dough and filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Some popular restaurants that serve this dish are Hamsikoy Pidecisi and Babacan Pide.
- Laz Borek: A pastry filled with cheese or meat, typical of the Black Sea region of Turkey. Some popular restaurants that serve this dish are Laz Borekcisi and Cevizli Borek Salonu.
- Karadeniz Tereyagi: A type of butter made from the milk of cows grazing in the Black Sea region. Some popular restaurants that serve this butter are Kalkanoglu Kasap & Lokantasi and Yayla Restaurant.
- Fasulye Pilaki: A vegetarian dish made with white beans cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs. Some popular restaurants that serve this dish are Akasya Sofrası and Giritli Restaurant.
- Muhlama: A cheesy cornmeal porridge served hot as a side dish or main course in winter months. Some popular restaurants that serve this dish are Kuzeyin Lezzetleri Cafe & Restaurant and Sefa Cafe & Restaurant.
- Balik Ekmek: Grilled fish sandwich served on bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, olive oil or mayonnaise dressing is one of the most famous street foods you can find on almost every corner in Giresun city center especially at the harbor area where fresh fish is caught every day by local fishermen.
- Kebabs (Kebap): There many types of kebabs such as Adana kebabı (spicy minced meat), Urfa kebabı (minced meat), şiş kebabı (meat skewer), and döner kebabı. You can find many restaurants that serve kebabs in Giresun city center such as Giresun Kebapçısı, Şahin Usta Kebap Salonu, and Mavi Ocakbaşı.
- Giresun Castle offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the Black Sea, making it a must-see for visitors.
- Ataturk Park is a serene oasis in the heart of the city, boasting walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds for families to enjoy.
- Orduzu Pinarbasi Tabiat Parki is a natural wonderland with cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, and camping facilities for those who want to immerse themselves in nature.
- Gogceli Tabiat Parki is another stunning natural park that offers breathtaking views of both the sea and mountains.
- Giresun Public Beach is one of the most popular spots in town for swimming and sunbathing.
- Yavuzkemal Beach is perfect for those seeking some solitude on their beach day thanks to its secluded location and crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling.
- Kumbet Plateau provides an excellent opportunity to escape from it all while trekking or picnicking surrounded by nature’s beauty.
- Bulancak Yaylasi National Park boasts an abundance of wildlife along with awe-inspiring scenery that will leave visitors spellbound.
- Haci Musa Camii Complex features not only a historic mosque but also a lovely garden area where visitors can relax amidst tranquil surroundings.
- Giresun Museum of Archaeology & Ethnography showcases fascinating artifacts from ancient times through modern-day Turkey, providing insight into this region’s rich history and culture.
