Bulancak is a district of Giresun province. According to the 2024 Address-Based Population Registration System results, the district center has a population of 50,112, while the village and town populations total 20,571, for a total of 70,683. Its surface area is 608 km², and the district's annual population growth rate is 8.4%.
Bulancak (Bulancak Municipality )
Date
Bulancak's settlement and administrative formation demonstrate its long history , despite the lack of direct written documentation from antiquity . The possibility of locating the capital of the Mossinoic group mentioned in the Anabasis in this region suggests the existence of organized life in the region at a very early period—probably in the 5th–4th centuries BC. Despite the lack of concrete archaeological finds or written records , this imaginary origin suggests that Bulancak's geostrategic location served as a crossroads connecting ancient sea and land transportation routes .
The first systematic record in Ottoman sources appears in the census register of 1455. During this period, the region was defined as a sub-district center called "Niyabet-i Kebsıl" and divided into two main regions, comprising the villages of Akköy and Melikli . This administrative unit, associated with the office of a kadı (regency), was recorded in five separate census registers (1455, 1485, 1520, 1547, and 1613) to record the tax collection and population in the region. These registers document that the region's population was largely composed of Muslim Turkish heads of households, with only a limited number of zimmi Christians present in the village of Öksün.
The entry "Bulanucak" in a 1547 register marks the first concrete appearance of the settlement's name. The same document notes that two mudarris (professors) were involved in education in Talipli village, and that the name Bulancak was used as the mosque preacher, demonstrating both the Turkish origin of the place name and the intertwining of the town's administrative and religious functions. Register records dating back to 1613 reveal that two separate sub-districts, Kebsıl and Şemseddin, remained part of Ordu Province, but for the next 250 years, there is a significant gap in local documentation.
Registered as a sub-district of Giresun, part of the Trabzon Sanjak , in the mid-19th century, Akköy gradually began to extend down to the coast and established its first municipal organization in 1887, officially adopting the name "Bulancak." Ahmed Ağa , the first elected mayor , introduced the first examples of a governance approach reflecting regional diversity, along with representatives of Greek and Armenian origin in the council.
Administrative regulations of the Republican era transformed Bulancak into a full -fledged district, comprising the sub-districts of Merkez , Piraziz, and Kovanlık , in 1934. This structure , along with the development of transportation infrastructure along the Black Sea coast and the opening of facilities for processing agricultural products (especially hazelnuts ), simultaneously paved the way for economic and social transformation.
The organization of Piraziz as an independent district in 1988 limited Bulancak's borders to the Central and Kovanlık sub-districts. The Aydındere sub-district administration , formed in 2004 with the merger of Aydınlar and Derecikalan villages , symbolizes the final administrative adaptation that responds to the region's population and settlement changes.
Bulancak's historical trajectory demonstrates a continuous developmental trajectory, extending from a small Ottoman township to a modern Republican district. This process , spanning from Ottoman land registry records to the Republic's village and sub-district organizations, from the incorporation of place names with Turkish origins to the first multicultural municipal experience, reflects the region's responses to administrative transformations both along the Black Sea coast and inland. Bulancak, a dynamic settlement that consolidated its institutional status while also evolving its political and social fabric from the Ottoman period to the Republican era, has earned a unique position on the map of Anatolia 's local history .
Geography and Climate
The district of Bulancak covers an area of 608 km², following a narrow coastal strip between Giresun and Ordu on the western shore of the Black Sea. The district center is defined by the İskele -Pazar neighborhood pattern , located on the western shore of the Bulancak Stream, from which it takes its name . The settlement that developed along the lower reaches of the stream, which reaches the Black Sea, has historically been a hub of regional trade and interaction due to its direct connection to road and maritime transportation axes .
Its geography is characterized by the Pontic Mountains, which rise rapidly from the coast and descend steeply to the seashore. This sharp rise confines the district to a very rugged topography, leaving only a narrow strip of plain and a pier along the coast. Cumulative alluvial deposits have accumulated along the mouth of the valley opening to the northeast. The remaining areas are surrounded by steep cliffs, steep slopes, and ridges. This morphological feature stands out as a determining factor in settlement expansion and infrastructure investments.
The vegetation responds to a strong altitudinal band. Hazelnut orchards dominate the coastal strip near the sea; this belt extends to slopes rising to 2,000 m, creating the unique green belt pattern of Alucra. This area is first dominated by chestnut forests, followed by broadleaf forest communities such as oxeye, alder, elm, hornbeam, poplar, and linden . Moving inland, coniferous species such as oak, beech, spruce, fir , and Black Sea pine become more dominant; humid and cool microclimates increase the density of these species, facilitating a high degree of biodiversity .
The climate exhibits a typical Black Sea transitional regime between the coast and inland areas. The maritime influence creates high relative humidity and a regular distribution of precipitation throughout the year. Temperature variations remain limited, with cool and humid summers and mild but rainy winters. The mild, humid climate along the coast provides a favorable environment for agricultural and forestry production , while climatic intensification inland creates summer pastures suitable for livestock farming and transhumance.
The combination of geomorphological and climatic factors shapes both the natural ecosystem structure and human activities in Bulancak. Hazelnut plants, concentrated on the hillsides, are the region's most important agricultural product, shaping rural livelihoods and serving as a key resource for foreign trade. Forest belts are strategically important for both wood and timber supply and erosion control . The balanced distribution of rainfall in the highlands enables the continuation of traditional nomadic pastoralism, which sustains the highland culture. Extensive plateaus, where resilient native species are grazed, directly translate the relationship between vegetation and climate into economic benefits.
Population and Demography
According to 2024 Address-Based Population Registration System data, the district has a population of 70,683. Of this population, 50,112 live in the district center, while the remaining 20,571 reside in villages and towns. This distribution corresponds to an urbanization rate of 70.9% for the district, while the rural population share in villages is 29.1%. The average population density per capita, based on its surface area, is approximately 116 people/km².
The urban -rural balance is one of the most prominent characteristics of Bulancak's demographics. The district center offers a wealth of business opportunities, primarily in trade, services, and public employment, while the villages and towns host livelihoods primarily based on agriculture, livestock, and forestry products. The population flow between these two areas not only fuels the district center's population pull but also contributes to the relatively high proportion of elderly people in rural areas .
While detailed data on age groups is limited, the growth of young and working- age populations in the city center is increasing demand for education, healthcare, and housing , while a demographic aging trend is observed in rural areas . Potential challenges such as urbanization pressures, inadequate infrastructure , and a scarcity of leasable land must be managed through sustainable local governance strategies.
Economy
The Bulancak district's economy reflects the stark contrast between the narrow plain on the Black Sea coast and the steep mountains behind it. While coastal settlements offer direct access to both maritime and highway routes, the steep slopes and valleys immediately beyond limit agricultural use and industrial development. These geographical constraints have led Bulancak to develop a transit corridor and a small-scale, multi-disciplinary economic model.
Bulancak's coastal belt, with its strategic role within Türkiye, a leading global hazelnut producer , holds a prime position in agricultural production . Hazelnut orchards find a suitable environment thanks to the moderate rainfall provided by moisture from the sea, while terraced landscaping on the coastal slopes enhances productivity. Furthermore, corn and its byproduct , starch , are produced in the narrow plains, and wheat , barley , and rye , from the grain group , are cultivated in the interior , contributing to local trade beyond meeting household needs. Fruit and vegetable production, particularly secondary crops such as tomatoes, beans , kale , and apples , is carried out by family farms.
Livestock farming is an economic activity that thrives on seasonal transitions, particularly in the highland plains of villages. Transhumance, which takes place between April and September , allows herds of cattle and sheep to graze on suitable pastures . This highland practice not only increases pasture productivity but also creates a significant opportunity for social solidarity and cultural continuity . While the aging profile of the rural population has led to a decline in livestock holdings on family farms, efforts are underway to maintain this through cooperative models.
Fishing and aquaculture are two other primary occupations benefiting from Bulancak's marine and freshwater resources. Traditional small-scale fishing in the Black Sea, catching species such as anchovy, horse mackerel, and bonito, offers fresh fish for consumption in local markets. In recent years, trout farming in artificial ponds near the shore has increased economic diversity and strengthened rural employment. Beekeeping, particularly during periods outside the spraying schedule of coastal hazelnut orchards, has become a vital source of income for the district, with annual honey production reaching approximately 50 tons.
Industrial infrastructure is primarily focused on the processing of primary sector products. Hazelnut cracking, hazelnut packaging and finished product production, as well as fish meal and oil facilities, increase the added value of local raw materials. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises established in light industries such as ready-made garments and furniture production create local employment and expand into international markets. However, geographical constraints and lack of economies of scale in transportation infrastructure limit business growth and technological investments.
The service sector and commerce are concentrated in the district's central areas. Bulancak Pier, one of the longest in the Black Sea region, plays a strategic role in transporting fishery products and utilizing the regional tourism potential. Small-scale businesses organize the distribution of food, raw materials, and consumer goods, while public and educational services are among the key factors attracting populations to the city center.
From an economic policy perspective, Bulancak's sustainable development depends on managing the opportunities and constraints offered by its geography in a balanced manner. Expanding terrace farming techniques in mountainous terrain, improving pastures, and integrating into highland tourism; modernizing aquaculture facilities; strengthening apiculture and honey branding; and supporting small industrial enterprises through clustering strategies are key areas that will enhance the district's economic resilience.
Culture and Tourism
Bulancak, with its location on the Black Sea coast and its topography blending with the steep slopes behind it, is a destination that appeals to a variety of travel preferences. Located 7 km from the town center, Dikmen Evi is perched on a hilltop that combines sea and inland panoramas. Welcoming guests at dawn in a natural atmosphere, far from the city noise, this property is a starting point for day trips within the region.
Sarayburnu Mosque, a historical and architectural highlight, is a popular destination for visitors today, boasting unique stonework , a work of art that began construction in 1987. The seaside art gallery-underpass and the Bulancak Pier, just beyond, add a unique dimension to coastal tourism, serving as temporary exhibition spaces for visual arts enthusiasts and the longest pier extending into the Black Sea.
Located close to the inter-district roads, Paşakonağı Plateau, at an altitude of 1,450 meters, provides a unique platform for observing the Black Sea's vegetation. Hiking trails through a forest adorned with purple , white, and yellow azaleas, along with natural features such as Karasay Waterfall, the Impassable Valley, Çiğseli Lake, and Kızılot Meadow, contribute to the region's highland tourism scene. A small-scale accommodation facility and tent camping options attract numerous nature enthusiasts. The Acısu Rock Church, near Erdoğan Village within the district's borders, is a rare example of combining geological and cultural heritage. Known locally as the " Horse Cave," this two-story rock structure is popular for its pre-Byzantine heritage and its proximity to soda springs.
Bulancak's cultural fabric embodies both Ottoman-era stonemasonry and the local community's contemporary artistic production. The Sarayburnu Mosque's dome and minarets, built using classical quarrying techniques , demonstrate the region's historical continuity, while the Underpass Art Gallery in the city center hosts contemporary art events throughout the year, ranging from three-dimensional paintings to photography exhibitions. Highland festivals, folk dance performances, and municipal art competitions foster cultural continuity by bringing together traditional and new-generation art forms. Small-scale concerts and handicraft workshops held at Dikmen House strengthen the cultural component of rural tourism.
Bulancak's cuisine, reflecting the flavors of Black Sea cuisine , is distinguished by its variety of soups , kavurma (fried meat), mıhlama (a type of meat), and pickles. Hot vegetable-based appetizers like beetroot soup and mendek soup are frequently enjoyed in the warm highland atmosphere. Fasulye diblesi (bean dible), beetroot diblesi (beetroot diblesi), and mixed dibles offer protein-rich, satisfying appetizers. Braised dishes made with salted green tomatoes and salted mushrooms, as well as pezik mıhlama (a type of meat), showcase the culinary diversity of local herbs. Hot fried dishes like fried beans and sakarca (a type of meat) are served with oiled cornbread . Pickles and pickled vegetables, especially pickled spears and roasted cherries , create vibrant elements on tables both in summer and winter . Seafood recipes like steamed anchovies, anchovy böreği (anchovy pastry), and water böreği (water böreği) bring the flavors of the sea to life in traditional settings. Sweet and dry dishes like flour halva and oven- dried dried dishes reflect the tradition of homemade desserts.
