Millet Garden in Giresun, Türkiye, is a historic garden built in 1900 overlooking the city and sea, featuring original stone fountains and century-old trees with a tea lounge.
Millet Garden stands right in front of the Giresun Government House, overlooking the city. It was originally built in 1900 (then called Memleket Garden) by the district governor Münir Ziya and Mayor Kaptan Yorgi Pasha, in memory of former governors Kadri Bey and Sırrı Pasha. The arched entrance of the garden, made of cut stone, features three inscriptions; you can read the story of the structure from these inscriptions. The entrance was registered by the Trabzon Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in 1986.
The fountains on both sides of the gate also date back to the same period. The one on the east was built in the name of Kadri Bey, and the one on the west in the name of Sırrı Pasha; both are crafted from cut andesite stone and adorned with acanthus leaf motifs. The northern facade of the garden consists of the remnants of the castle walls, featuring a terraced balcony and a tea lounge. Inside, there are centuries-old monumental trees and various landscape plants. Sitting under these trees and drinking tea in the summer months is a local custom.
The most prominent feature in visitor comments is the view: the western side of Giresun and the sea are said to be visible from the garden almost at your feet. The prices at the tea garden are considered reasonable, but some comments complain about the tea being served cold. Some visitors also point out the surrounding litter and neglect. It would be good to adjust your expectations accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Guide's Note
History of Millet Garden
The garden was actually built in 1900 (Hijri 1318) under the name Memleket Garden. The district governor of the time, Münir Ziya, and Mayor Kaptan Yorgi Pasha had this garden established in memory of former governors Kadri Bey and Sırrı Pasha. The three-line inscription on the entrance gate is written in Riq'a script and conveys this information. The structure was registered by the Trabzon Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage on February 14, 1986.
Architectural Details: Gate and Fountains
The arched entrance of the garden, made of cut stone, was constructed with cut andesite stone. The gate wings are metal, and the base surfaces have a diamond motif. The keystone of the arch is emphasized with an acanthus leaf motif, and the arch corners are also filled with the same motif. Of the fountains on both sides of the gate, the one on the east was built in the name of Kadri Bey, and the one on the west in the name of Sırrı Pasha; both are topped with an acanthus leaf motif finial.
When to Visit
In the summer months, the area under the monumental trees in the garden offers a place to sit with a 'plateau coolness', as locals say. The sea-view tea garden is at its liveliest during this season. If you go close to sunset, you will both escape the heat and catch the light of the view more beautifully.
How to Get There
Millet Garden is located in the city center, right in front of the Giresun Government House. If you are staying close to the center, it is possible to reach it on foot. Its central location also provides convenience for those coming by car.
How Much Time to Allocate
Half an hour is sufficient to explore the garden, examine the inscriptions and fountains, and enjoy the view. If you wish to sit and relax in the tea garden, this period can extend up to an hour.
Things to Consider
There are complaints about environmental cleanliness in visitor comments; some mention litter and neglect. There are also comments about the tea served in the tea lounge being cold. There is no clear information about wheelchair accessibility in the garden, so it is advisable to research accessibility for disabled visitors beforehand.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com.tr and may not be copied without permission.
Millet Garden Videos
Millet Garden videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
