MOTHERLAND OF CHERRY CAPİTAL OF HAZELNUT
Geographical Location: Giresun, located in the eastern part of the Black Sea Region, is surrounded by Trabzon  and Gümüşhane in the east, Ordu in the west, Sivas and Erzincan in the South, and again Sivas in the southwest.

The city which is occupies an area of 6934 km2 founded on a peninsula extending towards the sea between the valley of Aksu and Batlama. Eastern and western  coasts have the look of a natural beach, and Giresun Island (Aretias), the only island of Eastern Black Sea, 1mile away from the coast stands like a pearl necklace in front of city.

History: Giresun was originally founded by Milets in 8th century in Çıtlakkale at the mouth of Batlama River on the west of the city.   In those times the city was named as Kerasus due to the wild cherry (Keresia in Greek) that grows around. Demolished in wars when invaded by Phernakia, the Pontus King, in 183 B.C., the city was refounded on the peninsula 2 km.away, and renamed as Pharnakia.

Before Turks, Giresun had been dominated by Milets, Pontus, Romans, and finally the Byzantine. When associated to the Greek Empire of Trabzon,Giresun was covered by the boundaries of the state.The Mongolian domination of the Grek Empire of Trabzon in 1244, hence Giresun, which was associated therato.

Upon conquest of Trabzon by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1461, Giresun entered into domination of the Otoman Empire. Giresun, which had been a district of Trabzon until the Otoman Reform, was then associated to Şebinkarahisar and back to Trabzon. With the announcement of the Republic 1923, it was made a province that has 16 districts now.

HISTORICAL AND TOURISTIC VALUES:
Giresun Island: The Giresun Island, 1 km away from the coast, is the only island of Eastern Black Sea that is convenient for human population. The island which is mentioned inmythology with the names ‘Aretia’ and ‘Aretias’, integrates history and nature. From the remains its understood that it was once encircled by walls. Workmanship in stones used in construction of walls bears the technique as in that of the Giresun Castle.

“Hamza Taşı” on the eastern end is a stalagmite from antique age. During the Aksu Festival organised every year on 20th of May, people walk all round the island and make wishes.

Giresun Castle: The castle located at the topmost point of the peninsula that splits the city into two. It is supposed that Pontus King Pharnakes I had it constructed. The castle is composed of two parts; the inner and the outer castle. Inside the iner castle on the top that oversees the city there are remain of a palace. Some parts of the walls have survived to date.The castle still serves as an area of everyday use and a place for excursion.

Giresun Museum (Gogora Church): A Greek  church from the 18th century takes attention with its specific architecture . Ancient goods salvaged from the enviroment are exhibited in the church that serves as Giresun Museum.

Gatholic Church (Kids Library): This church also from the 18th century serves today as the Kids Library.

Seyyid Vakkas Tomb: The tomb in Kapukahve Quarter of the city pertains to Seyyid Vakkas who was a border governor who became a martyr during invasion of the city, and supposed to be a member of Prophet Mohammad’s family line.

Osman Ağa’s Grave: It is monument located inside the Giresun Castle and constructed for Topal Osman Ağa, Lieutenant Colonel, who was a veteran of the Independence War.

Millet Bahçesi Gate: It stands in front of the Goverment House and was constructed by the Governor Munir Ziya and Mayor Yorgi Paşa in 1900.

In addition, Zeytinlik Quarter where historical houses have been taken under protection, Goverment House, Building of Ticaret Lisesi (High School of Trade), Hajji Hussein Mosque, Kale Mosque, and Kapukahve Mosque are among the historical and touristic beauties worth seeing.

Plateaus: Mountains in the South of the province decline towards the coast, farming planes at some sections. These planes at altitudes between 1750 and 2200m accommodate many plateaus. Most of these plateaus which are 45-60 km distant to the coast are covered by pine forests. Therefore they have a specific nature and the beauty  compared to other plateaus of Black Sea. Bektaş, Kümbet and Kulakkaya Plateaus among others have been registerd as Tourism Centres, Festivals are organised every year at Kümbet and Bektaş Plateaus. In addition; Karagöl, Melikli,Sisdağı, Tamdere, Anastos, Çakrak, Paşakonağı, Karaovacık, Dokuzgöz and Kızıkbeli are among the plateaus in Giresun, which have incredible nature beauties and daily picnic facilities. For accommandation, Hotel Karagöl with 2 stars and Tourism Management Certificate issued by Ministry of Tourism is available at the Plateau of Bektaş.

Koçkayası Plateau Village: Koçkayası Plateau Village, which was caused to be contructed jointly by the Governor’s Office and the Ministry of Forestry, Directorate General of National Parks, Hunting and Wild Life and incorporates 32 bungalows, restaurant, shopping center, raises the interest in the region.

Mountaineering Facilities: Plateaus are quite convenient for nature tourism.It is to have daily vacation, camp and walk in the nature at plateaus of Giresun. There are also camping sites of Regional Directorate of Forestry at Kulakkaya Alçakbel Kümbet and Salon Çayırı. Also the Karagöl Mountains, 80 km from the coast, bearing crater lakes are incredivly beautiful plateaus for mountain sports.

Festivals: The international Giresun Aksu Festival, which is organised annually between 20th and 23rd of May at the point where the Aksu River merges into the Black Sea and some celebrations of mythological origin are performed, is the most important one among others. Festivals of Bektaş and Kümbet Plateaus, Tirebolu Nut Festival, Çamoluk Honey Festival and Festival of Kuşdili are significant organisations.

Historical and Touristic Values in Districts: Andoz Castle of Espiye, Bedrama and St.Jean Castles of Tirebolu, the Castle of Şebinkarahisar, Mother Mary Monastery, Licese Church, Asarcık Church, Behramşah and Fatih Mosques, Atatürk’s House, Tepesidelik Cavity in Alucra, Tumuluses, Hayran hermal Springs in Aktepe, Çakrak Churches, the historic Hajji Abdullah Wall (7 km long), Pregnant Church in Yağlıdere, Arched Bridges, Burunucu Mosque and Central Ancient Mosque in Bulancak, Acısu Kaya Church, House of Governors in Piraziz, Tombs of heikh İdris and Pir-Aziz arehistorical and touristic places worth seeing.