Trabzon

An ancient port city on the Black Sea with rich Byzantine and Ottoman history, serving as the gateway to Northeast Anatolia's coastal attractions. Its strategic location and cultural heritage make it an essential hub for exploring the region.

Things to do

• Sumela Monastery — A stunning Greek Orthodox monastery carved into a cliff face 1,200 meters above sea level, featuring Byzantine frescoes and panoramic views of the Altındere Valley.
• Hagia Sophia of Trabzon — A 13th-century Byzantine church converted into a mosque, showcasing exceptional mosaics, frescoes, and intricate architectural details reflecting its religious transformations.
• Uzungöl (Long Lake) — A pristine alpine lake surrounded by lush green mountains and pine forests, located 90 kilometers from Trabzon and ideal for hiking, picnicking, and nature photography.
• Trabzon Museum — Housed in the former Mansion of Köprülü Mehmed Pasha, the museum displays Ottoman artifacts, ethnographic items, and historical documents from the region's rich past.
• Atatürk Pavilion — A beautifully preserved mansion built in 1903 that served as a residence for Ottoman and Turkish dignitaries, featuring period furniture and ornate decorations.
• Trabzon Castle Ruins — Medieval fortress remains perched on a hill overlooking the city, offering historical insight into Trabzon's defensive past and stunning panoramic views of the Black Sea.
• Rize Tea Plantations — Located 70 kilometers east, visit the world-renowned tea gardens where visitors can tour working plantations and learn about Turkey's premier tea production region.

Food to try

• Anchovy (Hamsi) — Fresh Black Sea anchovies prepared grilled, fried, or in traditional dishes like hamsi pilavı, served at waterfront restaurants throughout Trabzon.
• Trabzon Pide — A local boat-shaped pastry filled with cheese, meat, or seafood and baked in traditional ovens, distinctly different from other Turkish regional pide varieties.
• Corn Bread (Mısır Ekmeği) — A specialty bread made with cornmeal unique to the Black Sea region, commonly served with traditional meals in local restaurants and markets.
• Muhlama — A creamy, cheese-based dish made with cornmeal and butter, served hot in a cast-iron pan and scraped with wooden utensils—a cherished local comfort food.
• Rize Tea Experience — Sample fresh çay (Turkish tea) brewed in traditional double kettles from nearby Rize province, the finest in Turkey, often offered throughout the city.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Religious Sites — When visiting mosques and former churches, dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering; women may be offered headscarves at entrances.
• Tea Culture Importance — Tea is central to social interactions in Trabzon; accepting çay when offered is polite and a way to connect with locals, who often gather for tea at designated times.
• Local Festival Season — Trabzon hosts the Uzungöl Tourism and Culture Festival in July and the Black Sea Anchovy Festival, when traditional music, dance, and food celebrations fill the city.
• Haggling in Markets — In traditional bazaars like the covered market, light haggling over prices is expected and accepted, particularly for textiles, spices, and handicrafts, though not in fixed-price shops.