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11 places to visit in the Bulancak district of Giresun: Bulancak Castle, Sis Dağı Plateau and Pazarsuyu Waterfall. Plan your trip to Bulancak with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Bulancak is a district of Giresun province, located on the Black Sea coast. According to the 2020 census, the district’s total population is 68,557, of whom 47,366 live in the district centre. The district’s most important source of income is hazelnut farming.

History

The known history of the region goes back to the Hittites. Between 1400 and 1200 BC the region was under Hittite rule, and Trabzon, Erzurum and Giresun were called the Land of Azzi. In Antiquity the Milesians founded their first colony in the area, named Kerasus. At the start of the 13th century AD, when Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, was invaded by the Crusaders, the children of Emperor Manuel Komnenos came to Trabzon and founded the Empire of Trebizond in 1204. Bulancak passed into Turkish hands in 1397. With the capture of Trabzon during the reign of Mehmed II in 1461, the Black Sea Region came fully under Ottoman rule, and the region was renamed Akköy.

Geography

The average altitude of Bulancak district centre is 16 metres above sea level. Rising from the shore is rapid, and the terrain is very rugged. The district has very rich vegetation, and from the coast up to 2,000 metres, hazelnut orchards make up most of this cover.

Economy

Hazelnuts are the main agricultural product, with grain, vegetables and fruit also grown. The district has also developed industrially, with major facilities producing hazelnut products, fishmeal and oil, clothing and furniture.

History and Culture

Bulancak’s municipality was established in 1887, and it gained district status in 1934. A significant part of the local population of Bulancak is made up of Turkmen Çepni people. After the 93 Harbi (Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78), many Batumi migrants are known to have settled in the region. The first foundation of Şeyh Ali Ağa Mosque dates back to the 15th century. According to the inscription on the north façade of Şeyh Ali Ağa Mosque, the mosque was built in 1896 (AH 1312).

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Places to Visit in Bulancak

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 3 Attraction
  • 3 Other

Historic Sites 2

Historic

Bulancak Castle

Remains of a Byzantine-period castle on a hill overlooking the district centre. From the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Black Sea coast and hazelnut orchards.

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Historic

Acısu Rock Church

A rock-cut structure dating to the 5th century. Natural springs are found in its surroundings.

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Religious Buildings 1

Religious

Şeyh Ali Ağa (Şemsettin) Mosque

A mosque registered as a Cultural Property requiring protection.

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Natural Wonders 2

Nature

Sis Dağı Plateau

Sis Mountain, at 2,182 metres, takes its name from its position above the clouds. In summer the plateau is a popular destination for camping, hiking and photography.

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Nature

Pazarsuyu Waterfall

A waterfall in the interior of Bulancak, set in lush forest. It is an important stop on hiking routes.

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Attractions 3

Attraction

Historic Bulancak Pier

A pier on the Black Sea coast, promoted as a walkway and social space.

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Attraction

Paşakonağı Plateau

A plateau within the boundaries of Kovanlık Town.

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Attraction

Bektaş Plateau

Regarded as the district's most important plateau.

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Other Places 3

Other

Kuşluhan Village Duck Lake

A quiet and peaceful natural habitat in Kuşluhan Village.

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Other

İnperi Caves

Caves located in Kuşluhan Village.

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Other

İnece Gelin Rock

A huge naturally formed rock feature.

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Places to Visit Around Giresun Province

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While you are in Bulancak, you can also see the highlights of Giresun province. These places are in other districts; Bulancak is about 30 km from the provincial centre.

  • Giresun Island — An island of 40,000 m², about 1.6 km off the coast; together with Kefken Island it is one of the two islands in the Black Sea belonging to Türkiye.
  • Giresun Castle — A castle on the top of the peninsula north of the city, probably built in the time of Pharnaces I, King of Pontus (2nd century BC); its central tower and southern walls still stand.
  • Zeytinlik — A historic neighbourhood at the foot of the castle with mansions built in the mid-19th century by merchants selling hazelnuts to Europe, using materials brought from Europe; the houses are placed so as not to block one another's light or views.
  • Giresun Museum (Gogora Church) — A basilica in Zeytinlik built in the mid-18th century by the Greek Orthodox community; it was used as a prison between 1948 and 1967 and has been an archaeology and ethnography museum since 1988.
  • Kuzalan Nature Park and Blue Lake — An area at Dereli, 45 km from Giresun, declared a nature park in 2013; its five turquoise lakes with travertine steps formed by the Göksu Stream, the largest 30 metres across, recall Pamukkale.
  • Kümbet Plateau — A highland pasture at Dereli, 52 km south of Giresun, at an altitude of 1,640 metres; together with the surrounding summer settlements (oba) it is known for camping, hiking and highland festivals.

Practical Information for Visiting Bulancak

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June–September)
Places to visit
11 places

What to Eat in Bulancak

Food guide →

  • Kuymak

    Made by cooking cornmeal, butter and fresh cheese in a copper pan. It is an indispensable part of breakfast tables in Bulancak.

  • Karalahana Çorbası (kale soup)

    This traditional soup is made with kale, cornmeal and beans. It is the most loved hot dish of the Black Sea's winter months.

  • Hamsi Tava (fried anchovies)

    Fresh anchovies coated in cornmeal and fried. Hamsi, the emblematic fish of the Black Sea, is never missing from tables in Bulancak in the winter months.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bulancak

  • Hazelnut Harvest Tradition

    The hazelnut harvest held in August and September is Bulancak's most important social event. Families and seasonal workers come together to gather hazelnuts using traditional methods.

  • Black Sea Horon Culture

    Bulancak is one of the important centres where the Black Sea horon dance is kept alive. Danced to the accompaniment of the kemençe at weddings and festivals, horon is an inseparable part of the region's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Bulancak Fındığı (Bulancak hazelnut) — Bulancak is one of the largest hazelnut-producing centres in Giresun. Hazelnuts, the foundation of the district's economy, are exported to world markets.
  • Natural Honey — Bulancak honey, made from the flowers of Black Sea forests, is known for its dark colour and intense aroma.

Economy

Bulancak is the most populous district of Giresun. Hazelnut farming and trade form the foundation of the economy. Fishing, livestock farming and small-scale industry are other sources of income.

How to Get to Bulancak

Bulancak is 30 km from Giresun city centre. It lies on the Black Sea coastal road (E70). Ordu-Giresun Airport is about 15 km away.

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Bulancak: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Bulancak?

The 11 highlights of Bulancak are Bulancak Castle, Sis Dağı Plateau, Pazarsuyu Waterfall, Şeyh Ali Ağa (Şemsettin) Mosque, Historic Bulancak Pier, Acısu Rock Church, Paşakonağı Plateau, Bektaş Plateau, Kuşluhan Village Duck Lake, İnperi Caves and İnece Gelin Rock.

What is there to eat in Bulancak?

Kuymak, Karalahana Çorbası and Hamsi Tava are the standout dishes on Bulancak's tables.

What is Bulancak famous for?

Bulancak is known for its hazelnuts and the hazelnut harvest tradition. Bulancak is one of the largest hazelnut-producing centres in Giresun. Hazelnuts, the foundation of the district's economy, are exported to world markets.

How do I get to Bulancak?

Bulancak is 30 km from Giresun city centre. It lies on the Black Sea coastal road (E70). Ordu-Giresun Airport is about 15 km away.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Bulancak?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: the summer months (June–September).

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