Citywide Developments in Giresun: An Active Media Ecosystem Driving Civic Progress and Transparency

Giresun continues to exemplify vibrant civic engagement and proactive governance, sustained by a highly active local media ecosystem. Recent developments underscore the city’s commitment to transparency, security, social welfare, and resilience, with media outlets playing a central role in informing the public, fostering civic discourse, and preserving civic memory. From leadership updates and criminal investigations to disaster preparedness and social initiatives, Giresun’s evolving landscape highlights an engaged community working collectively toward sustainable progress.

Media as a Catalyst for Civic Discourse, Memory, and Innovation

The city’s media outlets persist as vital platforms for civic dialogue, information dissemination, and historical remembrance:

• Tributes and Civic Memory: A notable recent example is the dissemination of the video titled "23 ŞUBAT 2026 PAZARTESİ SAAT:16.00/17.00 ARASI GİRESUN BELEDİYE-İŞ ŞB.BŞK. HALİL YEŞİLTEPE", shared on YouTube, which memorializes civic leader Halil Yeşiltepe. This digital tribute reinforces the media’s role in preserving local history and fostering community identity.

• Expanding Civic Dialogue: Giresun İleri TV has launched an innovative program aimed at broadening local dialogue and increasing citizen participation. By utilizing modern broadcasting tools, the program encourages residents to stay informed about key developments and actively contribute to civic discussions.

• Technological and Ethical Engagement: The Giresun Journalists’ Association continues to lead conversations on artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing responsible integration of emerging technologies into journalism and community life. These initiatives demonstrate the city’s forward-looking approach to technological adaptation and ethical standards.

• Community Engagement through Digital Media: The media also actively memorialize civic figures and important events, strengthening community bonds. The tribute video for Halil Yeşiltepe remains a poignant reminder of local leadership and civic memory, resonating with residents and civic leaders alike.

Governance, Public Safety, and Recent Incidents

Leadership updates and security issues remain at the forefront of civic concern:

• Leadership and Health: Mayor Fuat Köse recovered from a recent health scare involving a heart incident and resumed active participation in civic events, including a community iftar. His resilience and continued engagement exemplify strong leadership during challenging times.

• Law Enforcement and Criminal Investigations:

  • The appointment of İl Emniyet Müdürü Tacettin Çelebi was warmly welcomed, with Giresun Işık Gazetesi reporting that Vali Mehmet Fatih Serdengeçti wished him well in his new role.
  • A significant breakthrough occurred in anti-smuggling operations, with customs authorities seizing a luxury vehicle linked to illegal trade, emphasizing ongoing enforcement efforts to uphold trade standards.

• Violent Incidents and Criminal Cases:

  • A kahvehane killing in Keşap made headlines as police swiftly arrested the suspect involved in the deadly shooting during an okey game. This case, covered extensively by Haber61, highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to curb violence and maintain public order.
  • The arrest and prosecution of the suspect in the kahvehane homicide mark a pivotal step toward justice and community safety.
  • Child sexual abuse allegations against a local figure, Hasbi Dede, have surfaced, with authorities now pursuing a criminal case. Such cases have heightened community awareness and underscored the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations.

• Mental Health and Community Wellbeing:

  • The tragic death of Police Officer Emrah Sevim from Piraziz, who took his own life, has ignited urgent discussions about mental health support for law enforcement personnel. His final messages, published in local media, emphasize the need for comprehensive psychological services within police ranks.
  • Recent reports also reveal an armed incident at a local kahvehane, causing concern among residents. Police responded promptly, and investigations are ongoing to determine motives and prevent future violence.

Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness, and Health System Capacity

Giresun remains committed to disaster resilience and public safety:

• Disaster Response Initiatives:

  • A recent AFAD-led avalanche drill in Dereli at Belen Tepe demonstrated the city’s preparedness for mountain winter hazards. Participants affirmed that the simulation accurately reflected real rescue scenarios, enhancing regional readiness.
  • Landslide mitigation efforts around schools and hillside areas have achieved notable success, with stabilization works reducing risks and safeguarding residents and students.

• Fire Safety and Emergency Response:

  • The fire in Görele’s Türkelli Köyü, which caused substantial property damage, was extensively covered. A popular YouTube video documenting the incident has garnered over a thousand views, underlining the importance of fire safety awareness and community preparedness.

• Healthcare Capacity Pressures:

  • A growing concern is the overcrowding in Giresun’s hospitals, with reports indicating that the health system is under strain due to rising patient numbers. Randevu system delays and bed shortages, particularly in intensive care units, have prompted calls for urgent capacity expansion. Authorities are actively exploring measures to bolster hospital resources amid ongoing health challenges.

Social Services, Infrastructure, and Civic Engagement

The city’s social fabric is strengthened through various initiatives:

• Community and Social Services:

  • The opening of a new retirees’ social center has been warmly welcomed, providing elders with a dedicated space for cultural, recreational, and social activities, fostering stronger community bonds.
  • Iftar events during Ramadan have seen increased participation, with Mayor Köse emphasizing themes of unity, compassion, and spiritual reflection—key to reinforcing social cohesion.

• Educational and Youth Initiatives:

  • Around 800 residents have enrolled in job adaptation programs, gaining skills to improve employment prospects. Success stories from these programs highlight their positive impact on individual livelihoods and regional economic resilience.
  • Academic achievements continue to shine as twenty local projects developed by schools and research centers have advanced to the TÜBİTAK finals, showcasing Giresun’s commitment to fostering scientific talent and technological innovation.

• Civic Participation and Local Governance:

  • The first Muhtars’ Council meeting of 2026 provided grassroots leaders a platform to voice community issues, fostering inclusive governance and direct civic engagement.
  • Infrastructure improvements, such as road upgrades in Tirebolu, have enhanced transportation safety and regional connectivity, further reinforcing trust in local governance.

Outlook and Future Challenges

Giresun’s vibrant media ecosystem continues to be essential in maintaining transparency, accountability, and resilience. The city faces ongoing challenges, including health system pressures, security concerns, and social vulnerabilities, but its proactive civic engagement and media vigilance position it well for future growth.

Current developments suggest that Giresun is moving toward a more resilient and inclusive future, with media serving as a vital conduit for information, community memory, and civic activism. The city’s ability to address emerging issues—such as hospital capacity constraints and security incidents—while fostering community solidarity underscores its resilience and adaptive capacity.

As the city navigates these complexities, the active local media will remain central to ensuring residents stay informed, engaged, and empowered, shaping a transparent, resilient, and thriving Giresun.