Giresun Museum: Journey through time with rich archaeological, ethnographic finds

Located in Türkiye’s Black Sea region, the Giresun Museum captivates visitors with its extensive collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts.

Under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the museum has been preserving history for nearly 37 years, displaying relics from various civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Seljuks and Ottomans.

Situated close to Giresun Castle and the historic Zeytinlik district, the museum has become a must-visit destination for tourists.

It is also a popular educational site, frequently visited by students through school-organized trips that offer them an opportunity to connect with the past.

Giresun Museum: Historic setting with thousands of artifacts

Museum Director Hulusi Gulec explained that the museum is housed in a former Orthodox church built in the 1860s. The building was later repurposed as a prison following the Türkiye-Greece Population Exchange before being converted into a museum in 1988.

Gulec stated that the museum holds approximately 12,000 artifacts, though only about 2,000 are currently on display due to space constraints.

“Our collection includes items from the Early Bronze Age to the late Ottoman period, such as pottery, stone axes, spearheads, and arrowheads. We also showcase Roman-era terracotta vessels, Byzantine coins and jewelry, as well as Ottoman-era accessories and clothing,” he said.

The remaining 10,000 artifacts are carefully preserved in storage and periodically rotated for public viewing.

Discoveries from Giresun Island shed light on past

Among the museum’s notable exhibits are findings from excavations on Giresun Island, a second-degree natural and archaeological site.

“Excavations have revealed coins, ceramic fragments, and a unique bowl, possibly brought to the island through trade from the Aegean or Mediterranean regions,” Gulec noted.

One of the most significant discoveries was an inscription, which provided critical insights into the island’s architectural history.

“Before this find, the origins of the island’s church, chapel, and other structures were uncertain. The inscription confirmed that these structures date back to the 13th century,” Gulec explained.

Growing interest in cultural heritage

Gulec mentioned that when the museum first opened, additional artifacts were brought in from Sinop, Samsun, and Tokat to expand the collection, adding around 2,000 pieces. Today, Giresun Museum attracts both domestic and international tourists, with free admission encouraging greater public engagement. Last year alone, approximately 25,000 people visited the museum.

The months of April, May, and June are particularly busy as local schools organize trips to help students learn about history firsthand.

Students marvel at handcrafted artifacts

Social Studies Teacher Zelayha Cansiz, who recently visited the museum with her students from Boztekke Middle School, emphasized the importance of these trips.

“Our curriculum includes a section on historical artifacts, and visiting the museum allows students to experience history in a tangible way,” she said.

Cansiz highlighted the students’ reactions to the detailed craftsmanship of ancient artifacts.

“They expected simple pottery, but they were amazed by the intricate spearheads, jewelry, and clothing. Their surprise was evident in their expressions,” she added.

Giresun Museum, with its extensive collection of artifacts spanning from the Early Bronze Age to the Ottoman period, plays a crucial role in preserving and showcasing Türkiye’s rich history. Through its diverse exhibits, including discoveries from Giresun Island and artifacts from multiple civilizations, the museum offers an invaluable educational experience, attracting both tourists and students. Its free admission policy ensures that the public remains engaged with the country’s cultural heritage, making the museum an essential cultural hub for all generations.