Nihat Bey Monument in Giresun, Türkiye, is a free basalt stone memorial built in 1914 honoring Major Nihat Bey, featuring Thuluth calligraphy inscriptions and a pyramidal design.
The Nihat Bey Monument stands on Nihat Bey Avenue in the Sultan Selim neighborhood of central Giresun. Built in 1914 when the avenue was named after Major Nihat Bey, the military recruitment officer of the era, some sources also suggest it was erected in memory of martyrs at Gedikkaya. What is certain is that over a century has passed since its creation, and it was officially registered by the Trabzon Regional Board for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in 1986.
The structure is constructed from ashlar basalt stone. It rises from a single step at the base to a square pedestal composed of three courses of dressed stone, followed by an inscription panel, a pyramidal shaft, and a spherical finial at the top. The inscription is written in Thuluth calligraphy on white marble and placed inside an oval cartouche with garland motifs, adorned with crescent-and-star figures in its corners. Today, it stands right beside Gedikkaya Mosque, seamlessly blended into daily urban life and easy to spot as you walk down the street.
It is not a major tourist attraction, but rather a charming, quick stop while exploring the historical fabric of central Giresun. Without crowds of visitors, you can easily examine the monument and its detailed inscription at your own pace.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The monument is outdoors in an unrestricted area and can be visited year-round. Those who want to clearly inspect the Thuluth calligraphy and the carved details on the marble should visit during daylight hours, as evening street lighting may not be sufficient.
How to Get There
Nihat Bey Monument is located on Nihatbey Avenue in the Sultan Selim neighborhood of central Giresun. Since it sits right next to Gedikkaya Mosque, anyone who finds the mosque will easily spot the monument. You can reach it on foot from central bus stops or via a short taxi ride.
Location Within the City
The monument stands on one of the main streets, amidst Giresun's daily life. Surrounded by residences and local shops, it is not arranged as a tourist park but integrated into the city's authentic fabric. This makes it a natural stop for travelers exploring Giresun's historic center.
How Much Time to Spend
The monument itself is a compact structure. A brief 5 to 10-minute stop is enough to read the inscription, admire the stonework, and snap a few photos. It doesn't require a dedicated itinerary and can easily be included in a central Giresun walking tour.
Suggested Itinerary
It makes sense to stop by the monument while visiting Gedikkaya Mosque, as the two are adjacent. You can combine this with Giresun Castle, viewpoints overlooking Giresun Island, and the historic streets of the city center to create a half-day walking route.
Photography Tips
The pyramidal shaft and spherical finial stand out better when captured from a low angle looking up. Photographers wishing to get close-ups of the crescent-and-star motifs on the inscription can take advantage of natural sunlight around noon.
Things to Keep in Mind
The monument is a registered cultural heritage site, so take care when touching the stone surfaces or moving around it. Parking spaces nearby may be limited, so visitors arriving by car might need to look for parking on adjacent side streets.
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