Tirebolu is a district located on the northern coast of the Black Sea Region, east of Giresun province. The district center is situated on a peninsula overlooking the Black Sea, bordering Görele and Çanakçı to the east and Doğankent and Güce to the south. This settlement structure provides transportation and trade opportunities through valleys extending both to the sea and inland.
Tirebolu (Source: Tirebolu Municipality )
History
The district of Tirebolu, in Giresun province, is one of the most historically significant settlements in the Eastern Black Sea Region. Historically notable for its strategic location and natural harbor, the district hosts a rich heritage stretching from antiquity to the present day. The settlement's history dates back to the 7th century BC, when the Milesians established colonies along the Black Sea coast. Its ancient name is believed to have been "Tripolis." This name means "Three Cities" in Greek and is likely related to three different settlements or fortresses in the region (present-day Tirebolu Castle/Saint-Jean Castle, Andon Castle, and Bedrama Castle). These fortresses have historically been crucial for both the settlement's defense and the control of trade routes in the region. Tirebolu Castle is particularly notable for its location on a peninsula jutting into the sea in the district center.
Founded as an Ionian colony in ancient times, Tirebolu played an active role in Black Sea trade. In the following centuries, the region came under the rule of the Pontus Kingdom and then the Roman Empire. After the division of the Roman Empire into two, the settlement remained within the borders of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, retaining its military and commercial importance during the Byzantine period. Its natural harbor, in particular, served as a strategic base for the Byzantine navy and trade. During the Empire of Trebizond, established after the Latin occupation of Constantinople in 1204, Tirebolu became one of the state's important cities and ports. It is known that the Genoese also engaged in regional trade and used Tirebolu's port during this period.
The region came under Turkish rule in 1461, when Mehmed the Conqueror annexed the Empire of Trebizond. Under Ottoman rule, Tirebolu was organized as a district center within the Province of Trabzon. Thanks to its port, it maintained its commercial vibrancy during the Ottoman period, serving as a bridge between the inland and coastal trade. The district's administrative status has changed over time, sometimes falling under Trabzon and sometimes under the Gümüşhane Sanjak. With the administrative reorganizations made after the proclamation of the Republic, Tirebolu was initially a district of Gümüşhane. With Giresun becoming a province in the 1920s, it was annexed to Giresun, a status it retains today.
Tirebolu, distinguished throughout its history by its strategic location, natural harbor, and surrounding castles, possesses a rich cultural heritage bearing the traces of diverse civilizations. Castle ruins from ancient times, some surviving structures from the Ottoman period, and developments from the Republican era constitute the district's historical heritage. This deep-rooted past makes Tirebolu one of Giresun's important historical and cultural centers.
Geography and climate
The district of Tirebolu, in Giresun province, is located in a location that exhibits the typical geographical characteristics of the Eastern Black Sea Region. The district is located east of Giresun city center, on the Black Sea coastline. Bordered by the Black Sea to the north, the districts of Görele to the east, Espiye to the west, and Doğankent and Güce to the south. Its area makes it one of the most important districts of Giresun province, and its geographic structure exhibits significant differences between the coast and inland areas.
The district's topography is quite rugged. The coastal area extends as a narrow strip, while mountainous areas, which rise rapidly to the south and are extensions of the Eastern Black Sea Mountain Range, dominate. This mountainous terrain is dissected by deep valleys. The most important of these valleys is the valley of the Harşit Stream, which practically divides the district in two, rising inland and flowing into the Black Sea. The Harşit Valley provides both a transportation route and suitable land for agricultural activities. Along the coastline, a characteristic peninsula, home to the district center and the historic Tirebolu Castle, juts out into the sea. This terrain has led to a concentration of settlement along the narrow coastline and the Harşit Valley.
From a hydrographic perspective, Tirebolu's most defining feature is the Harşit Stream. Originating in the Gümüşhane Mountains, this important stream traverses the district's territory in a north-south direction, reaching the Black Sea west of the Tirebolu district center. The Harşit Stream and its numerous smaller streams constitute the district's water resources and contribute significantly to the region's natural landscape.
The natural vegetation is characteristic of the Eastern Black Sea Region. The region, which receives high rainfall, boasts rich forests, particularly in mountainous areas. These forests generally consist of tree species such as spruce, fir, beech, and alder. Hazelnut orchards cover extensive areas near the coast and on valley slopes; hazelnut cultivation is one of the main factors shaping the region's vegetation and economic structure.
Climate-wise, Tirebolu is influenced by the typical Eastern Black Sea climate. Rainfall prevails throughout the year. Total annual precipitation is quite high, and it is distributed evenly throughout the year. This is the primary reason for the region's lush vegetation. Summers are generally cool and humid, while winters are mild. Snowfall and frost are less common in coastal areas than inland areas. High humidity and fog, especially in spring, are other characteristic features of the region's climate. Due to the maritime influence, annual and daily temperature fluctuations are not significant. Prevailing wind directions and maritime influence also determine the region's microclimatic characteristics. These geographical and climatic conditions directly shape Tirebolu's natural beauty, agricultural structure, and lifestyle.
Population and Demography
Tirebolu, a district of Giresun province, stands out as a medium-sized settlement on a regional scale, with a total population of 32,720 as of 2024. Of this population, 16,246 are male and 16,474 are female; an examination of the gender distribution reveals a near-balance between the sexes, with a ratio of 49.65% male and 50.35% female. The slight outnumbering of women in the district is a notable feature in demographic analyses.
The change in Tirebolu's population over the last eighteen years has followed a fluctuating course, encompassing periods of both increase and decrease. The district's population, measured at 28,835 in 2007, reached its peak in 2023, reaching 33,459, but then declined to 32,720 the following year. Changes in annual population growth rates during this period paralleled fluctuations in social and economic conditions. For example, while the population decreased from 31,171 to 30,814 in the 2016–2017 period, an increase from 32,576 to 33,459 was recorded in the 2022–2023 period. The 2.2% decrease from 2023 to 2024 indicates a reshaping of demographic balances in the short term.
According to time series analysis, Tirebolu's population growth remained relatively stable between 2007 and 2014, fluctuating annually between 29,000 and 31,000. After 2015, the upward trend gained strength, maintaining a cumulative increase until 2020, followed by a slight pause in 2021 and 2022 before peaking in 2023. These structural fluctuations can be linked to migration movements, volatility of economic opportunities, and cyclical variations in local employment opportunities. Due to its proximity to the Black Sea coast, the district is a hub providing competitive access to key livelihoods such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism; these economic advantages have contributed to the population growth during certain periods.
While detailed data on age groups is not available, gender and total population development allow for the identification of out-migration and in-migration periods at the district level. For example, the relative decline observed in 2017 could be explained by urban migration trends coinciding with that period; conversely, the increase in 2023 could be interpreted as a positive demographic reflection of agricultural and tourism investment initiatives in the district. The fact that the female population is equal to or slightly superior to the male population suggests that women's employment opportunities, particularly in domestic and semi-official work, are shaped in accordance with regional characteristics.
The annual rate of change in Tirebolu's population is a key determinant of the district's social services planning. In the design of public investment areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and energy, approaches should be scaled to reflect periods of population growth and decline. School and hospital capacities should be strengthened in years of population growth, while resource utilization can be optimized by reviewing inefficiencies in infrastructure that become depleted during periods of decline.
Future demographic projections require that current rapid population fluctuations be aligned with sustainable development goals. The district's geographic location, natural resource potential, and historical heritage should guide the implementation of strategies that encourage the retention of its young population. This way, Tirebolu can maintain its overall population growth while balancing the trend of emigration.
Economy
The economic structure of the Tirebolu district of Giresun province is related to its geographical location and natural resources. Its location on the Black Sea coast and its arable land are factors influencing the district's economy. Agriculture, particularly hazelnut production, plays a significant role in the economy. Fishing, the service sector, small-scale industry, and mining are also key components of the district's economy.
The agricultural sector plays a significant role in Tirebolu's economy and is a source of income for a portion of the population. The district's land structure and climate allow for hazelnut cultivation. Hazelnuts grown in the region are sold in the domestic market and for export. Hazelnut production provides employment in both the agricultural and processing stages. In addition to hazelnuts, tea cultivation is also practiced in more limited areas. The presence of a factory owned by the General Directorate of Tea Enterprises (Çaykur) in the district demonstrates the presence of tea production and processing in the district. Additionally, crops such as corn and beans, as well as various fruits and vegetables, are grown in the valleys and on some flat lands. Forestry is also among the economic activities that rely on the region's natural resources.
Fishing is one of the economic activities in Tirebolu, due to its coastline on the Black Sea. There is a fishing harbor in the town center. Purse seiners and other fishing boats catch a variety of fish, especially anchovies, depending on the season. Fishing is a source of income for hunters, fish traders, and related services.
Industrial activities are generally focused on the processing of agricultural products. Hazelnut cracking and processing factories and a Çaykur tea factory are among the district's industrial establishments. These facilities generate employment by processing agricultural produce. In addition, there are small-scale workshops and manufacturing facilities.
Mining also plays a significant role in Tirebolu's economic structure. Metallic ore deposits such as copper, lead, and zinc have been reported in various parts of the district. Activities are underway to exploit these deposits.
Service sector activities are generally located in the district center. Trade, transportation, public services, banking, and small businesses are among the components of this sector. Hazelnut and fish trade are among the district's commercial activities. The Black Sea Coastal Highway passing through the district has impacted transportation and commercial activities.
Tourism-Culture-Cuisine
Tirebolu, a district of Giresun province, is a settlement located in the Eastern Black Sea Region, home to historical and cultural structures. Its location on the Black Sea coast has historically led to its functions as a port control center, a role that can be traced through architectural remains. The district's tourism resources include historical buildings, beaches, and local cuisine.
Castles are among the cultural heritage elements in Tirebolu. Tirebolu Castle (Saint-Jean Castle), built on cliffs on a peninsula jutting into the sea in the town center, overlooks the harbor. Inside the structure are the ruins of a chapel. While the exact date of the castle's construction is unknown, its architectural features and location suggest it dates to the Middle Ages. Having undergone numerous restorations, the castle is one of the district's well-known structures.
Another defensive structure is Bedrama Castle, located east of the Harşit River within the village of Örenkaya. Built on a steep rock mass, the castle overlooks the Harşit Valley and the coastline. Described as being in good preservation, Bedreme Castle contains ramparts, towers, cisterns, and the remains of various structures. It is thought that this castle may date back to ancient or medieval times. Other castle ruins, such as Andoz Castle, are also present in the district. These castles are included in the region's defensive structures inventory. Tirebolu's cultural heritage is not limited to castles. In and around the district center, there are also historic fountains such as the Selimağa Fountain and the Çatal Fountain, as well as historic houses displaying traditional architectural features. These structures offer insights into the district's past social life and architecture.
Due to its geographical location, Tirebolu boasts beaches. The district offers areas for marine tourism activities. Kaynarca Family Beach and Municipal Beach are popular during the summer months, providing visitors with opportunities to swim and relax. These beaches are integral to the district's tourism activities.
The local cuisine of Tirebolu is a component of its cultural identity.
Tirebolu cuisine, which reflects the characteristics of the Black Sea cuisine, utilizes the region's geographical conditions and agricultural products. Regional dishes include Anchovy Pastry, Steamed Anchovy, Kale Soup, Nettle Dish, Roasted Pickled Beans, Pezik Mıhlama, and Corn Bread. These dishes incorporate local flavors and traditional cooking methods. Furthermore, the tea produced in the region, known as Tirebolu ("Tirebolu 42 Tea"), is one of the region's agricultural and gastronomic products.
