Hacı Abdullah Wall

Hacı Abdullah Wall is a historical stone structure located on the borders of the Yağlıdere and Alucra districts within Giresun Province in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region. The wall was constructed approximately 400 years ago using a dry-stone rubble technique. Its length is approximately 6.5 kilometers, and its height varies between 1 and 1.5 meters in different sections. Unlike a straight line, the wall encircles an area in a circular formation. Only one entrance gate exists along the wall, measuring approximately 2 meters in width, providing access to Çıkrıkkapı Yaylası. The wall’s shape and scale offer insights into the size of the enclosed area and the function of the structure.

Construction Date and Process

The construction date of the wall is commonly accepted as 1610. This date is also inscribed on a plaque still present on the structure. However, this date is not supported by any scientific study or archaeological documentation. Various sources indicate that the wall was built by Hacı Abdullahzade and that Greek laborers were employed in its construction. This suggests that the building process required a large workforce. Nevertheless, these details are based solely on oral traditions and local narratives.

Origin of the Name and Historical Context

The Hacı Abdullah Wall derives its name from Hacı Abdullah Halife, known to have served in the Yağlıdere district during the 17th century. It is documented that Hacı Abdullah Halife was actively involved in the Hacı Abdullah Tekkesi in Yağlıdere. This tekke was an important component of the region’s religious and social organization, and the wall is said to have been named after it. Hacı Abdullah Halife’s social services and religious activities in the region significantly influenced the naming of the structure.

Purpose and Functions

The purpose of the wall’s construction is directly linked to the transhumance system and pastoral practices in the region. It was built to demarcate pasturelands, regulate controlled access to grazing areas, and separate settlement zones from pasture areas. The circular layout of the wall indicates that it was specifically designed to fulfill these functions.

In the 17th century, intensive pastoral activities and large populations of both large and small livestock in the highland pastures necessitated the construction of a wall of this scale. Its length reflects the extent of the grazing lands used in the region. In this context, the wall is directly connected to the local economy, which relied on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Contribution to Social and Spatial Structure

The fact that the wall encircles a defined area is interpreted as evidence of the region’s traditional way of life and settlement patterns. It is evident from the structure that people lived permanently in the highland pastures, particularly in the interior areas with dense populations. The areas encompassed by the wall include both grazing lands and temporary or permanent settlements. Therefore, the structure served not only to control livestock but also to ensure settlement security and to distinguish between different land uses.

Current Condition and Conservation Status

The Hacı Abdullah Wall largely retains its original form today. Some sections have experienced partial deterioration and collapse over time. Nevertheless, the overall structure remains intact and has survived in its natural state. The wall is recognized among Giresun’s historical structures as an example of rural architecture. No restoration work has been carried out on the wall; it continues to stand through its own natural processes.

Visitor Interest and Usage

The wall is one of the most noticeable features during visits to the highland pastures. Hikers, trekking groups, and photographers frequently visit the structure, especially during the summer months. The surrounding natural vegetation, rich floral diversity, and panoramic views of the pastureland contribute to its visual value. In this sense, the wall occupies a point where cultural and natural landscapes converge, enabling visual documentation activities.

Opinions on Comparisons with the Great Wall of China

Some sources claim that the Hacı Abdullah Wall is the second-largest wall ever built for protective purposes, after the Great Wall of China. However, such claims lack any scientific basis. The wall’s purpose was not defense but rather land demarcation and control. Consequently, such comparisons are not accepted at an academic level.