About Giresun, Turkey

Giresun_Turkey

First settlemts in Giresun and its surrounding date back prehistoric ages. Region is ruled by Hittites in B.C. 1500 years and then Phyrygians in B.C. 8th Century. A city is established under the name of Kerasos by Miletians colonies in 2km. west of current Giresun city at the beginning of B.C. 7th Century. After Persian invasion in B.C. 6th Century and Macedonian rule in 333, Kingdom of Pontus, established in B.C. 302, starts to dominate the region. Pontus king Pharnakos I (B.C. 185-169) surrounds and capture Giresun challengig war, is destroyed substantially. Thereupon, kin Pharnakos establishes a new city under the name of Pharnakeia on peninsula in 2km. north of the city. City, which enters under Roman rule in B.C. 53, is called Kerasos again. Later on, it enters under the rule of respectively Eastern Roman in 395, Trabzon Greek (Roman) Empire in 1204, Kadı Burhaneddin Beylic in 1397, Ottomans in 1389. When Yıldırım Bayezit is beaten by Timur in 1402, Giresun is lost by Ottomans. Finally, Giresun is included into Ottoman lands certainly in 1461. Thus, Kerasıs city is called Giresun. Different names such as Areitas, Area, Kerasos, Keressonda, Kirezun, Kerasus, Pharnakeia, Pharnacia, Pharnas are used for Giresun throughout the history. Name of Kerasos is originated from Ceresia, growing in the environment. Giresun Castle is constructed in B.C. 4th-3rd centuries probably. Remains of palace, belonging to Pontus king I. Pharnakos, church and mosques and also seyit Vakkas Tomb, belonging to 19th century, are located in the castle. Aretias Castle, which is subject of mythology, is located on the small island, located in the north of Giresun. Bogora Church, constructed in 18th century, is repaired and serves under the name of Giresun Museum. Works of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman periods and local ethnographic works are exhibited in the museum. 1830 dated Castle Mosque, 1861 dated Soğuksu Mosque, 1900 dated Şeyh Kerameddin Mosque, Hacı Mikdad Mosque, which is constructed in 1661 and renewed in 1889, are some of the old structures, located in the city. Ancient houses, located in Zeytinlik District of the city, are under protection. Kümbet Upland, Bektaş Upland, Kullakkaya Upland, Melikli Obası Upland, Karagöl Mountains and Uplands and many uplands within provincial boundaries of Giresun, offer unique beatuies for the visitors. Uplands in Black Sea Region witness great festivals in the summer season.