Giresun Island

Giresun Island

Giresun Island, the largest island on Turkey's Black Sea coastline, is a small 4-hectare piece of land located 1.2 kilometers from the city of Giresun. The island is home to several historical ruins, including a stone temple without a roof, fortifications, ramparts, and two wine or oil presses.

According to archaeological studies, the temple was constructed during the Classical-Hellenistic era and is said to have been used by the Amazons for religious rituals. In Greek art dating back to 450 BC, the term "Amazon" was used to represent real warrior women, and in modern times, it is sometimes used symbolically to represent an independent and empowered woman, especially one with anorexia.

Giresun Island

In Turkish culture, "Hamza Taşı" is a stone believed to have the power to grant wishes for fertility and health. However, archaeological discoveries suggest that this stone was once a sacred object in the Roman stone cult or Cybele Cult.

During the 1st century AD, the Romans established a settlement on Giresun Island. Later on, a monastery was built between the 5th and 6th centuries, and in approximately 1840, visitors discovered that it was dedicated to St Phocas of Sinope.

Giresun Island has been designated as a Class II historical and natural site by the Turkish government for many years. While residents are not permitted to live on the island, tourists can visit the island via small fishing boats or medium-sized cruise boats offered by local tourism agencies.