Trabzon

A major Black Sea port city steeped in Byzantine history, home to the magnificent Hagia Sophia of Trabzon and the stunning Sumela Monastery nearby. The city blends Ottoman heritage with natural beauty and serves as a gateway to the scenic Pontic Mountains.

Things to do

• Hagia Sophia of Trabzon — This 13th-century Byzantine church features stunning mosaics, frescoes, and a soaring dome that once rivaled Constantinople's great cathedral.
• Sumela Monastery — A breathtaking Greek Orthodox monastery carved into a cliff face 40km south of the city, with Byzantine frescoes and panoramic views of the Pontic Mountains.
• Uzungöl Lake hike — A pristine alpine lake surrounded by dense forests in the Pontic Mountains, perfect for trekking, picnicking, and experiencing untouched natural beauty.
• Atatürk Pavilion — A restored Ottoman mansion showcasing early 20th-century architecture and furnishings, offering insight into the era following the Turkish War of Independence.
• Uzun Sokak bazaar street — The bustling heart of old Trabzon's marketplace where locals buy spices, textiles, and traditional goods amid Ottoman-era architecture.
• Trabzon Museum — Housed in a restored mansion, it displays Byzantine artifacts, ethnographic items, and regional treasures illustrating the city's complex history.

Food to try

• Hamsi — Fresh Black Sea anchovies grilled or fried whole with lemon and served as the region's signature seafood, celebrating Trabzon's maritime heritage.
• Mıhlama — A creamy cornmeal and cheese dish unique to the Rize and Trabzon regions, traditionally served hot as comfort food on cooler mountain evenings.
• Akçaabat köfte — Flavorful meatballs from the nearby town of Akçaabat, grilled and served with fresh bread, onions, and parsley at local eateries throughout the city.
• Pide with local cheese — Turkish boat-shaped flatbread filled with creamy local white cheese and herbs, a staple at family-run bakeries and street vendors in Trabzon.
• Black Sea trout (alabalık) — Fresh freshwater trout from mountain streams, typically pan-fried with butter and served in restaurants overlooking the sea or near Uzungöl Lake.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the call to prayer — The adhan (Islamic call to prayer) echoes through the city five times daily; pause quietly when you hear it and avoid eating or smoking in public during Ramadan.
• Learn basic Turkish greetings — While some English is spoken in tourist areas, locals deeply appreciate visitors who use 'Merhaba' (hello), 'Teşekkür ederim' (thank you), and 'Lütfen' (please).
• Remove shoes in homes and some mosques — If invited to a local's home or entering certain religious spaces, always remove your shoes at the entrance as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
• Embrace tea culture — Turks consume çay (black tea) throughout the day in small tulip-shaped glasses; accept offers graciously as declining can seem impolite, and it costs virtually nothing.