Trabzon
· TR

Trabzon

Trabzon, Trabzon, Turkey

Journey to the Emerald Coast: Trabzon, Turkey Nestled between the lush Pontic Mountains and the sapphire waters of the Black Sea, Trabzon is a captivating city where ancient history meets breathtaking natural beauty. Mor…

#coastal city#Black Sea#historical sites#cultural heritage#tourist destination
1/10
Stay & flyThings to doVideosPracticalGuide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Trabzon.

Top Hotels in Trabzon

Top Flights to Trabzon

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Trabzon.

Tours

Explore Sumela Monastery

Visit the ancient Greek Orthodox monastery nestled in the cliffs of the Altındere Valley.

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum, Trabzon

Explore the architectural beauty and history of this former Greek Orthodox church and mosque, now a museum.

Shopping

Shopping at Forum Trabzon

Experience modern shopping at one of Trabzon's largest malls, offering a variety of international and local brands.

Outdoor

Hiking in Uzungöl

Enjoy scenic hikes in Uzungöl, known for its beautiful lake and surrounding mountains.

Boztepe Picnic Area

Relax with a picnic at Boztepe, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Trabzon and the Black Sea.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Trabzon.

Currency
₺ | TRY | Turkish Lira
Population
The approximate estimated total population of Trabzon, Turkey is around 0.8 million.
Languages
Turkish, Turkish
Average weather
Trabzon
Jan
rain
10°4°
Feb
rain
10°4°
Mar
rain
12°6°
Apr
cloud
15°9°
May
cloud
19°13°
Jun
sun
23°17°
Jul
sun
26°20°
Aug
sun
27°21°
Sep
cloud
24°18°
Oct
rain
20°14°
Nov
rain
16°10°
Dec
rain
12°6°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Trabzon.

What people love

Trabzon, located in the Black Sea region of Turkey, offers several attractions and experiences for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Trabzon include:

  1. Natural Beauty: Trabzon is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush green landscapes, mountains, and the Black Sea coastline. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and exploring waterfalls.

  2. Historical Sites: Trabzon has a rich history dating back to ancient times, and visitors can explore historical sites such as the Hagia Sophia Museum, Sumela Monastery, and Trabzon Castle.

  3. Cultural Experience: Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting traditional markets, sampling authentic Turkish cuisine, and learning about the region's unique customs and traditions.

  4. Black Sea Cuisine: Trabzon is famous for its delicious Black Sea cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, local dishes such as "kuymak" (a cheesy cornmeal dish), and desserts like "sütlaç" (rice pudding).

  5. Hospitality: The people of Trabzon are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors, making it a welcoming destination for travelers.

Overall, Trabzon offers a mix of natural beauty, history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a great destination for those looking for a unique travel experience.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Trabzon, Turkey could include:

  1. Weather: Trabzon experiences a high level of rainfall throughout the year, which may not be ideal for travelers looking for sunny weather.

  2. Language Barrier: While some people in Trabzon may speak English, the primary language is Turkish. This could pose a challenge for travelers who do not speak the language.

  3. Remote Location: Trabzon is located in the northeastern part of Turkey, which may make it less accessible compared to more popular tourist destinations in the country.

  4. Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Trabzon may not have the same level of tourist infrastructure as other cities in Turkey, which could impact the overall travel experience.

  5. Cultural Differences: Travelers may encounter cultural differences in Trabzon that could require some adjustment, such as different customs, food, and social norms.

Overall, while Trabzon offers beautiful natural landscapes and historical sites, travelers should be prepared for some potential challenges during their visit.

Trabzon, located on the northeastern coast of Turkey along the Black Sea, has a rich and varied history that spans several millennia. The city has been an important cultural and commercial hub due to its strategic location on the historic Silk Road.

Early History

  • Foundation and Ancient Times: Trabzon, originally known as Trapezus, was founded by Greek settlers from Miletus around the 8th century BCE. It developed into a significant trading colony, leveraging its port on the Black Sea.
  • Roman and Byzantine Era: The city became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century CE. Under Roman rule, it flourished as a commercial and military center. Later, it became an important city of the Byzantine Empire.

Middle Ages

  • Empire of Trebizond: After the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the Byzantine Empire was fragmented, and the Empire of Trebizond was established with Trabzon as its capital. This lasted until 1461. The empire was known for its rich culture and strong defenses.
  • Significant Figures: Alexios I of Trebizond was the empire's first emperor, and his descendants ruled for over two centuries. The empire was a center of learning and the arts during their reign.

Ottoman Era

  • Conquest by the Ottomans: In 1461, Sultan Mehmed II conquered Trabzon, incorporating it into the Ottoman Empire. The city continued to thrive as part of the empire, serving as a vital trade and military post.
  • Cultural Development: Under Ottoman rule, Trabzon became a diverse and multicultural city, housing Greeks, Armenians, and Pontic Greeks, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.

Modern History

  • Republic of Turkey: Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Trabzon became part of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. It developed as an important port and industrial center in the new republic.
  • Significant Events: The city has seen various periods of growth and modernization throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, maintaining its status as a key city in the Black Sea region.

Important Landmarks

  • Sumela Monastery: Located in the nearby Pontic Mountains, this historic Greek Orthodox monastery dates back to the 4th century and is one of Trabzon's most famous landmarks.
  • Hagia Sophia of Trabzon: Originally built as a church in the 13th century during the Empire of Trebizond, it has served variously as a mosque and museum, showcasing exquisite Byzantine architecture and frescoes.
  • Trabzon Castle: Although in ruins, the castle consists of remnants from different periods, including Byzantine and Ottoman structures, reflecting the city's strategic importance.

Modern Trabzon

Today, Trabzon is a vibrant city with a population of over 800,000. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and as a gateway to the Black Sea, continuing to be an important cultural and economic hub in the region.