Giresun Island

Giresun is one of the key cities in terms of the natural and cultural heritage of both its geographical region and Türkiye. Among its many treasures, Giresun Island stands out prominently. Located 1.6 kilometers off the coast of the city, directly across from the Gedikkaya area, the island covers an area of 40,000 square meters and rises 30 meters above sea level. Known in antiquity as Aretias or Khalkeritis, Giresun Island is the only island in the Eastern Black Sea to have been inhabited during both the Ancient and Medieval periods. The island hosts medieval walls, a church, a chapel, a cistern, numerous pithoi (large storage jars), and tomb structures. Ongoing archaeological excavations on the island trace its history back to the 300s BCE, based on the findings uncovered so far. Giresun Island, the only inhabited island in the Eastern Black Sea with significant cultural assets and a prominent place in mythology, is also an essential breeding and habitat area for various bird species. The island is home to several mystical stories, including the myth of Hercules and the Argonauts’ Golden Fleece, the tale of King Mithridates’ daughter and the shepherd, the Golden Statue of Prophet Joseph, and the legend of the Amazon women. One of the unique features on the island is a rock known as the Hamza Stone, derived from the Latin word “Humuza,” meaning birth. This rock serves as evidence of the continuity of the Cybele cult on the island. It is said that childless couples come to the island to pray around the Hamza Stone and even spend a night there. Seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance, the traditions surrounding the Hamza Stone are celebrated every year on May 20th with the “Mayıs Yedisi” ceremony, as part of the Aksu Festival.