Trabzon

Trabzon is a city located in the northeastern part of Turkey, on the coast of the Black Sea. It is a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some key things to know about Trabzon:

1. Historical Significance

Ancient History: Trabzon has a long and storied history that dates back to ancient times. It was originally founded as the Greek colony of Trapezus in the 8th century BC. The city later became an important trading hub during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Trabzon Empire: In the medieval period, Trabzon became the capital of the Empire of Trebizond, a successor state of the Byzantine Empire that lasted from 1204 until 1461. The city’s historical significance is still evident in its architecture and cultural heritage.
Ottoman Era: Trabzon was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1461. During the Ottoman period, it continued to be an important trade center, particularly for goods coming from Persia and the East.

2. Cultural Heritage

Hagia Sophia of Trabzon: One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Hagia Sophia, a beautiful Byzantine-era church that was built in the 13th century. Unlike its namesake in Istanbul, this Hagia Sophia is smaller but equally impressive with its well-preserved frescoes.
Atatürk’s Mansion: This historic house was a residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, during his visits to Trabzon. The mansion is now a museum that showcases period furniture, decorations, and personal belongings of Atatürk.
Sumela Monastery: Located about 45 km from Trabzon, this Greek Orthodox monastery is perched on a cliff in the Altındere Valley. Founded in the 4th century, it is one of Turkey’s most famous religious sites, known for its dramatic setting and well-preserved frescoes.

3. Natural Beauty

Uzungöl: This picturesque lake, surrounded by dense forests and alpine meadows, is one of Trabzon’s most popular natural attractions. Uzungöl is a perfect spot for nature lovers and offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and relaxation.
Altındere National Park: Home to the Sumela Monastery, this national park is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The park features lush forests, waterfalls, and rugged mountains, offering breathtaking views and a chance to experience the region’s biodiversity.
The Black Sea Coast: Trabzon’s coastal location provides stunning views of the Black Sea, and the region is known for its unique climate, which is cooler and wetter than much of the rest of Turkey. The coast is dotted with charming fishing villages and offers opportunities for swimming and boating.

4. Culinary Traditions

Anchovy (Hamsi): Trabzon is famous for its anchovy dishes, particularly during the winter months when the fish is in season. Hamsi is prepared in various ways, including fried, grilled, or cooked with rice.
Kuymak: A traditional dish from the Black Sea region, kuymak is made with cornmeal, butter, and local cheese. It’s a rich, savory dish often served for breakfast.
Trabzon Bread: The region is known for its distinct sourdough bread, which is typically baked in wood-fired ovens. It has a unique flavor and texture, making it a staple in the local diet.

5. Cultural Identity

Laz and Pontic Greek Communities: Trabzon is home to the Laz and Pontic Greek communities, both of which have their own distinct languages, music, and cultural traditions. The influence of these communities can be seen in the local music, dance, and cuisine.
Folklore and Music: The Black Sea region has a rich tradition of folk music and dance. The “horon” is a traditional dance unique to the area, characterized by fast-paced movements and often accompanied by the kemençe, a type of fiddle.

6. Economy and Trade

Tea Production: The region around Trabzon is one of Turkey’s main tea-producing areas. The climate is ideal for tea cultivation, and the industry plays a significant role in the local economy.
Hazelnuts: Trabzon is also a major producer of hazelnuts, which are exported worldwide. The city has a strong agricultural sector, with hazelnuts being one of its most important crops.

7. Transportation

Trabzon Airport: The city is well-connected by air, with Trabzon Airport offering domestic flights to major Turkish cities and some international destinations. The airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center.
Road and Sea Transport: Trabzon is also a key transport hub, with highways connecting it to other parts of Turkey and a busy port that handles both cargo and passenger ferries.

Trabzon is a city that blends natural beauty, historical significance, and rich cultural traditions. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, hiking in the mountains, or experiencing local cuisine, Trabzon offers a unique and memorable experience.

UZUNGÖL

Uzungöl, which is 99 kilometers from Trabzon and only 19 kilometers from Çaykara district, is one of the most popular and visited touristic spots of Trabzon. Uzungöl, which is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, was formed by the natural way of blocking the Haldizen Stream. Uzungöl, located 1100 meters above sea level and surrounded by pine forests and magnificent mountains, is also home to the rainforests of Turkey.
Uzungöl, which was declared an environmental protection area in 2004, and its natural beauties were protected; With more than 60 endemic plant species, more than 250 bird species and dozens of mammal species, it attracts the attention of nature lovers from all over the world. In Uzungöl, which is visited every season for its magnificent nature views, you can take a canoe, pedal boat and boat tour in summer months, and take pleasant nature walks in the fresh air on the walking paths surrounding the lake; You can explore Uzungol’s surroundings with ATV tours and bicycle trips. You can also participate in paragliding activities to watch fascinating views from a bird’s eye view on the lake, or you can have fun with the plateau festivals in summer.

SÜMELA MANASTIRI

Sumela Monastery, one of the world-famous historical treasures and most known landmarks of Trabzon, is visited by thousands of people every year. Sümela Monastery, also known as the Virgin Mary Monastery, is a fascinating architectural work built on steep cliffs overlooking Altındere Valley, within the borders of Altındere Village of Maçka district of Trabzon.
Located at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level, M.S. The monastery, which is thought to have been built in 375 during the Byzantine Empire, was expanded in the 16th century and carefully preserved after it became a part of the Ottoman Empire. You will take an unforgettable journey in history while visiting the monastery’s main chapel, the fascinating frescoes that adorn its ceiling and walls, the rock church, guest house and library. Sümela Monastery, which we strongly recommend you to examine the impressive aqueducts carrying water to the church, is one of the most impressive historical structures not only of Trabzon but also of our country.

BALIKLIGÖL

Located in Balıklı Highland, one of the lush highlands of Akçaabat district, and famous for its untouched beauty, Balıklıgöl takes its name from the delicious trout it hosts. Located 50 kilometers from the center of Trabzon and at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, Balıklıgöl is a popular excursion area with its walking paths in the pine forests surrounding it.
Balıklıgöl, which you can visit to see its lush natural beauties in spring and summer and to take pictures of impressive snow landscapes in winter, is among the most popular places to go in Trabzon for hiking and cycling tours. In the trout farms around the lake, you can taste fresh fish and local Black Sea appetizers, accompanied by magnificent lake views.

TONYA

Famous for being the only district of Trabzon that does not have a coast on the Black Sea, Tonya is a cute district hidden among pine forests at an altitude of 755 meters above sea level. One of the constant addresses of nature walks in Trabzon, Tonya is visited especially for its famous plateaus such as Sazalan Plateau and Erikbeli Plateau, which attract people all over Turkey during the summer months. Offering a wealth of accommodation from bungalow hotels to wooden plateau houses with Black Sea architecture, Tonya is preferred for trekking, mountain bike tours and camping, with hiking trails arranged for every difficulty level surrounding its rough terrain.

ÇAYKARA

Surrounded by dense pine forests in the back and the deep blue Black Sea in front, Çaykara is one of the hidden paradises of Trabzon. Çaykara, which offers a pleasant travel experience with its peaceful atmosphere, clean beach and local flavors; In addition to famous plateaus such as Haldizen Plateau, Sultan Murat Plateau and Kacet Plateau, it also attracts attention with the touristic facilities and fish restaurants around Haldizen Creek. Don’t forget to relax with fresh seasonal fish and appetizers at the shabby fish restaurants by the beach in Çaykara, where nature lovers can explore with pleasure as it is home to nearly 500 plant species in its untouched forests.