Mining in Giresun and its neighborhoods during II. Abdulhamit Period

Giresun is a rich city in terms of mine and ores diversity, some of these mines have operated since the ancient periods. While operating metals such as copper and iron was common in ancient times, silvery lead, antimony, zinc, alum and manganese mines were mostly and copper, silver, iron and gold mines were partly produced in the period of II. Abdulhamit. The extracted metals were used to meet local needs and export services, and as a consequence, this led to growth in national economy. Also, in the period of II. Abdulhamit, there appeared production and employment increase. Mining activities increased especially XIX. century in Giresun. The state began to stretch the weakening of the financial strength of statist policy and therefore, private enterprise invaded the mining industry. As it will also be mentioned in the following part, foreigners and non-muslims occupied nearly whole consession area in Giresun. Although domestic entrepreneurs got a privilege later, they could not afford costs for operation and thus, they delegated some or all of their shares. Entry of hot money due to foreign investors and the increase in production employment were other issues. Mining consession granted in Giresun during the reign of II. Abdulhamit and agreements will be mentioned below. Before and after the period will also be discussed briefly.