Giresun Island

Giresun Island, located in the place area of the Black Sea, is an island known for its historical and mythological narratives as well as its natural structure. This natural and cultural heritage site, the only island along Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, has been the subject of both local folk tales and together mythology.

Island; its natural structure, vegetation cover, historical remains, and legends have made it a focus of academic research and transformed it into a domestic tourist center.

Geographical Features and Natural Structure

Giresun Island is situated 1.6 km from the center of Giresun in the middle of the Black Sea. With an area of approximately 40,000 square meters, the island has been declared the second degree natural site area site.

It is rich in vegetation, hosting 71 native herbaceous and woody plant species, primarily the Mediterranean laurel and false acacia. Additionally, the island’s flora has been enriched by ten plant species introduced by human activity.

Giresun Island also serves as a natural breeding ground for the Karabatak and seagull like bird species. It functions as a stopover and resting point for Migrant migratory birds.

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History

Ancient Period

Giresun Island is mentioned in ancient sources as “Aretias,” a name meaning “dedicated to the god Ares.” This name was used during the period when the island was associated with the Amazons. From the 8th century BCE, the Milet colonies established along the Black Sea coast utilized the island for military and religious purposes. Particularly, its political and cultural contacts with the kingdom of Colchis enhanced the island’s significance. Ancient accounts describe how the Amazons offered sacrifices to god Ares on the island, performed war dances, and conducted spiritual preparations before battle.

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Roman and Byzantine Periods

During the Roman period, the island was used as a site for religious retreat and exile solitude, a function it continued into the Byzantine era. It is understood that a monastery was built on the island during the Christian period and used by monks and religious figures as a place of seclusion. Archaeological findings include small places of worship, altar stones, fragments of religious icons, and tomb remains. This demonstrates that the island was not merely a mythological site but also a continuously used religious location.

Archaeological Findings and Excavation Studies

Surface surveys and archaeological excavations on Giresun Island have revealed its rich historical past. Excavations have uncovered the following remains:

• Wall Remains: Stone alignments surrounding the island, constructed for defense, indicate that the island was also used as a military base in ancient times.
• Ceramic and Pottery Fragments: Various pottery fragments dating to the 4th century BCE demonstrate that the island was inhabited and connected to trade throughout different periods.
• Tomb Structures and Sarcophagus-Type Coffins: Stone tombs and sarcophagus-type coffins identified in the southeast part of the island support the presence of religious rituals and burial practices.
• Coin and Metal Fragments: Coins from the Roman and Byzantine periods document the economic life and human presence on the island.

These archaeological elements clearly demonstrate that Giresun Island is not merely a mythological theme but a place with significant concrete historical value.

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Mythological Narratives

Amazons and the War God Ares

Ancient sources mention that Amazon queens built a temple on the island in honor of the war god Ares. The Roman writer Pliny, in his work Histarium Mundi, refers to this temple, stating: “Opposite Pharnace lies Chalceritis, Arias, dedicated by the Greeks to the god Ares.” This account reinforces the island’s mythological value.

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The Golden Fleece Legend and the Argonauts

According to one of the most important tales of Greek mythology, the Argonauts, including Heracles, arrived at Giresun Island (known then as Aretias). There, the heroes encountered the Stymphalian birds, which they had to fight using spears to defend themselves against the birds’ feather projectiles. According to the legend, although they defeated the birds, they lost a companion and cursed the island before continuing their journey.

In 1984, an international research team led by Tim Severin reconstructed an ancient “Argo” ship and retraced this legendary voyage, reaching Giresun Island. This journey was documented by the BBC and also recorded by National Geographic magazine.

Hamza Stone and Sacred Rituals

The “Hamza Stone,” located at the eastern tip of the island, represents the mythological main goddess Cybele through its trapezoidal three-legged structure. Believed to be approximately 4,000 years old, this stone is regarded as a mystical wish stone with spiritual power. As part of the International Aksu Festival, held annually on 20 May, a ritual of passing through the stone’s base is performed, and offerings are made around the island to sustain this mystical tradition.

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Mitridates’ Daughter and the Tragic Love Story

According to another legend, Mitridates’ daughter fell in love with a shepherd. However, the king opposed the relationship and imprisoned his daughter in a monastery on the island. The shepherd was hanged on a cherry tree in front of the monastery. The young girl committed suicide by hanging herself from the tower the next day.

Historical Functions of the Island

During the Genoese and Venetian periods, Giresun Island served as a ship shelter. Its geographical location and natural harbor made it an important station for sailors. Throughout history, Giresun Island has fulfilled various roles:

• Military Outpost: Used for defense during ancient and medieval times, as supported by the wall remains.
• Religious Site: Served religious functions during both the pagan era (offerings to the god Ares, Amazon rituals) and the Christian era (monastery, monk retreats).
• Trade and Maritime Route: As part of the ancient Black Sea maritime trade networks, the island was connected to coastal ports.
• Place of Exile and Solitude: During the Roman and Byzantine periods, it was used to exile individuals for political or religious reasons.

Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Significance

Giresun Island continues to hold cultural importance among the local population. Every year on the seventh day of May, the International Aksu Festival, locally known as “Mayıs Yedisi,” is celebrated with boat trips to the island, accompanied by traditional rituals and nature walks. These festivities embody a symbolic vine with the past and keep the island’s significance alive in collective memory.

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