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Trabzon - Kanuni Mahallesi Yiğit Sokak No:12
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Considered Turkey’s principal port on the Black Sea, Trebizond (or Trabzon in Turkish) has been a major crossroads of peoples, goods and cultures between East and West for centuries, with the ancient Silk Road passing through here. Founded around the 8th century BC by the Greeks, Trebizond quickly prospered and became a famous naval base on the Black Sea during the Roman period. The city served as the capital of the Empire of Trebizond (1204-1461), one of the successor states of the Byzantine Empire, and was the last stronghold to be conquered and subjugated by the Ottoman Empire.
During the First World War, Trebizond played a significant role as the theatre of several key battles between the Ottoman and Russian empires. The area is also remembered, unfortunately, for the Armenian genocide of the 20th century, when the region witnessed the tragic fate of many people of Christian faith. In recent years, Trebizond has maintained its role as a major Turkish port on the Black Sea whilst also developing numerous historical sites that allow visitors to discover more about Turkey’s rich history.
The heart of Trebizond is undoubtedly Kuşcular Mahallesi, the Old Town district, which features picturesque alleyways, ancient houses, mosques, intimate restaurants and traditional shops. Trebizond’s rich history captivated Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic and its first President, in the early 20th century. Atatürk visited the city several times, and his former residence has now been converted into a museum house.
The city’s most renowned site is undoubtedly Hagia Sophia (or Ayasofya Camii), a former Orthodox church built around the 13th century that was later converted into a mosque following Ottoman conquest, much like the famous Basilica in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia is now regarded as an important testament to late-Byzantine architecture for its magnificent structure and interior decoration.
What strikes visitors inside is the spectacular central dome of great proportions, supported by four imposing arched columns; the floor beneath the dome is also noteworthy, having been crafted using opus sectile technique—inlaid marble with multicoloured stones. The splendid frescoes adorning the walls have been remarkably well preserved over the centuries, as they were covered when the church was converted to a mosque out of respect for Islamic principles, which inadvertently protected them.
The old town also houses the Museum of Trebizond, located within an elegant mansion built in the 20th century by a wealthy Greek banker. The museum offers extensive insight into the region’s long and sometimes turbulent history, allowing visitors to journey back through time to appreciate the city across different historical periods and understand its evolution over the centuries.
The visit follows a path of discovery through Trebizond and its past: from its origins through Ottoman rule, including the history of the Empire of Trebizond. An extensive section is dedicated to the numerous Byzantine artefacts discovered in the area, whilst another substantial section covers ethnographic aspects such as the evolution of clothing, work tools and everyday objects.
Atatürk Köşkü is a residence built in 1890 by a wealthy local Greek merchant, which later became the residence where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk would stay during his visits to the city. It’s documented that Turkey’s first president stayed here during two periods: in 1924 and again in 1937.
Many of the interiors have been preserved as they once were, with several rooms displaying furnishings and personal belongings that belonged to Atatürk. Now a museum, this house serves as a monument to the founder and first president of Turkey, featuring a collection of photographs, newspaper articles and other memorabilia documenting the life of this important Turkish leader.
Located in the Old Town district is the Bedestan, considered one of the city’s oldest buildings, historically dedicated to commercial activities. During the Ottoman period, various types of goods and merchandise, some sourced from beyond the empire, were traded and sold here.
Today, the Bedestan houses a vibrant bazaar (Trabzon Bedesteni) with numerous stalls and cafés where you can purchase handicrafts, spices, carpets and souvenirs or enjoy a good coffee. The bazaar quarter also features a mosque and a han, or caravanserai, built around the mid-17th century.
Kalepark, or Güzelhisar in Turkish—meaning “Beautiful Castle”—is a fortress situated in the eastern part of Trebizond, not far from the port. Built in the medieval period, the castle was further fortified over the centuries as a strategic stronghold protecting the city. Due to its strategic location, the castle was bombarded and partially destroyed by Russian forces during the First World War; today, only some ruins of the complex remain to be visited.
The Sumela Monastery, known in Turkish as Sümela Manastırı, stands approximately 50 km from Trabzon, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Altındere River. It is undoubtedly a site of great charm and considerable historical and religious importance, as it was originally founded toward the end of the 4th century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Theodosius I, though it was subsequently enlarged and modified throughout the centuries.
The monastery remained active until 1923, when it closed as many Greek monks decided to leave the area and settle elsewhere. After reopening in 2019 following extensive restoration work, the monastery is now a site that, thanks to its location, offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and landscape. Visitors can explore the monks’ quarters, the refectory, libraries, meditation and prayer areas, and the beautiful Church of the Virgin Mary, built within a cave and adorned with decorative elements and frescoes.
Trebizond is a city not frequently featured in Turkish tourism itineraries, though it has developed significantly as a destination in recent years. The city now offers numerous accommodation options at various levels and price points for a comfortable stay. The area around the historic centre particularly boasts the greatest number of places to stay and is highly recommended, as you can easily access restaurants and entertainment venues in the evening.
Trebizond is easily accessible by air from Turkey’s major cities such as Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Bursa. Trebizond airport is located just over 6 km from the centre and offers daily connections to both Ankara and Istanbul airports. Another option is to reach Trebizond by car from Ankara or Samsun, for instance, along the coastal road D010/E70. From Samsun, there are also long-distance bus services that connect the two cities in approximately five hours.
What's the weather at Trabzon? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Trabzon for the next few days.
Trabzon is a city in Turkey that overlooks the north-eastern coast of the Black Sea and lies 1,100 km from Istanbul, 730 km from the capital Ankara and 320 km from Samsun, another important commercial port in the country.
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