Şebinkarahisar is a town located in Giresun Province within the Black Sea region of northeastern Turkey. It serves as the administrative seat of Şebinkarahisar District, situated on the north side of the Avutmuş river valley amidst the Giresun Mountains. The settlement occupies a strategic position in a landscape defined by rugged terrain and steep valleys, marking it as a significant local hub in this remote part of the country.

Its recorded history begins with the Third Mithridatic War, when Pompey captured the ancient fortress and established a Roman colony known as Koloneia. The site was later rebuilt by Justinian I and became part of the Armeniac Theme before falling under various Turkish controls, including the Seljuks and Ottomans. Under Ottoman rule, it functioned as a sanjak centre known as Karahisar-I Şarki, maintaining its importance through centuries of shifting imperial borders and military conflicts.

The town is characterized by its medieval fortress, which features Late Antique-Byzantine-Seljuk walls and an Ottoman citadel complex. Notable landmarks include the Behramşah Mosque built by the Seljuks, the Ottoman-period Taşhanlar caravanserai, and the Fatih Cami near the castle ruins. The area also contains the ruined Virgin Mary Monastery and the Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian church, reflecting its diverse religious heritage and architectural layers from different historical periods.

Cultural attractions include Atatürk's House Museum and Kümbet Yaylası, a popular camping site for visitors seeking outdoor experiences. The region is renowned for its local cuisine, featuring delicacies such as the Şebin walnut, hazelnut helva, hoşmerim cheese pudding, and mulberry syrup. These culinary traditions, combined with the town's historical sites, offer insight into the local Pontic Greek and Armenian influences that have shaped the community over time.

The population was recorded as 10,695 in 2022, though earlier census data from 1881-1893 indicated a larger demographic of Muslims, Greeks, and Armenians. Access to the town is difficult due to narrow, winding roads along the riverbank, which complicates service provision. Şebinkarahisar experiences a dry-summer continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, influencing both its agricultural output and the timing of visitor travel.