One City-Three Days: Trabzon

An introduction to Trabzon

There are several theories on the origin of the city’s name. One is that “Trabzon” is based on the Greek word “trapeza”, a rectangular table and a reference to the city’s table-shaped hill. Another theory is that the name “Trabzon” has Arabic roots; in Arab history, the city is called variously “Tibarende”, “Tibarite”, “Trabende”, and “Trabzende”. Evliya Çelebi, the 17th-century Ottoman explorer, wrote in his travelogue, Seyâhatnâme, that the name of the city was derived from “turâb-ı zen (female voice)” and “târab-ı efzun (enchanted earth)” – how lyrical!

With a history dating to the 8th century BC, Trabzon has been home to numerous tribes and settlements. It was conquered in 1461 by Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror), and is also the birthplace of Suleiman II (Suleiman the Magnificent). 

We invite you to enjoy a three-day getaway in Trabzon – to experience the area’s lovely natural parks and brisk plateaus, as well as its historical sites, and religious and cultural elements. To inspire you, the Trabzon flight schedule and playlist are open in the background: Soapbox. Let’s get started…

Day One: The Road to Maçka

Şolma Plateau

You’ll find native flora and fauna, and beautifully scenic vistas in the Maçka district of Trabzon province. If the weather permits, you can hike the 16 kilometers up Kulin Mountain to the Şolma Plateau, 1,800 meters above sea level. If hiking isn’t an option, you can reach the Plateau via minibus. The Şolma Plateau is about 52 kilometers from Trabzon.

Altındere Valley National Park

The Sümela Monastery, one of Trabzon’s most important historical sites, is on the western slope of the Altındere Valley, in the Altındere Valley National Park. Declared a national park in 1987, Altındere Valley dazzles with gorgeous views, lush greens and native fauna. 

Reach back into time at the Sümela Monastery

Believed to have been founded around 386 AD, the Sümela Monastery is built into a cliffside on the Karadağ mountain. The impressive structure, often referred to as the “Monastery of the Virgin Mary”, is a fine example of its period – one in which monasteries were erected outside the city in relatively secluded locations. The structure can be reached via a 300-meter walk through the forest, and it is about 47 kilometers from Trabzon.

Day Two: Praise to nature

Uzungöl Nature Park

The area around Lake Uzungöl was declared a Nature Park in 1989. Featuring fragrant spruce and beech forests, and abundant fauna, the Park covers approximately 1,625 hectares. The Uzungöl Mosque overlooks the lake, and accommodation is available in wooden cottages along the shore. 

Karester and Şekersu Plateaus

These plateaus are easily reached via minibuses from Lake Uzungöl. At 2,300 meters above sea level, the Karester Plateau appears to be surrounded by clouds and offers incredible views of Lake Uzungöl. Keep in mind that highland roads sometimes close in winter due to weather conditions. Şekersu Plateau, formerly known as Sakarsu, is the largest plateau close to Uzungöl; there is also a village by the same name nearby.

Sultan Murat Plateau

The Sultan Murat Plateau is named for Ottoman Sultan Murat IV, who stayed on the Plateau for a few days when returning from his Iran campaign. Set within the borders of the Çaykara district, the Sultan Murat Plateau is 2,000 meters above sea level and 25 kilometers from the district center. The traditional annual “Sultan Murat Plateau Festival” is celebrated on August 20. We suggest visiting the Plateau at that time – especially since it gets quite cold in the fall and winter.

Day Three: Return to the city

The Hagia Sophia Museum in Trabzon

After exploring the beautiful nature of the Black Sea region, it’s time to discover the city’s historical sites. Built in the 13th century as a Greek Orthodox church, this magnificent structure is considered one of the best examples of late Byzantine architecture. It is believed that the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in 1584. It was used as an arsenal and a military hospital during the Russian invasion in 1916. The Hagia Sophia Museum in Trabzon is now open to Muslims for prayer and can also be visited as a museum. 

Çal Cave

As the second-longest cave in the world, the Çal Cave is one of Trabzon’s most interesting sights. Opened to visitors in 2003, the Çal Cave is 1,050 meters above sea level; a historic castle is set above it and a small stream flows through the cave. The air circulation inside the Çal Cave is quite good, even though the humidity level is higher than normal.”

The Atatürk Pavilion Museum in Trabzon 

The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was hosted in this historical mansion in Soğuksu twice, in 1924 and 1930. In the following years, the mansion was specially designed for Atatürk. It was converted into a museum in 1942, after Atatürk’s death. It features a lovely garden and is a popular destination for tourists. 

The Fatih Mosque (Conqueror’s Mosque)

An important structure dating from the Byzantine period, the Altınbaşlı Meryem Church was the first church converted into a mosque after Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s conquest of Trabzon in 1461. Believed to have been erected in the 10th or 11th century, it was originally called the Panagia Chrysokephalos Church and served as the city’s main cathedral. Following its conversion into a mosque, it was decorated with beautiful examples of Ottoman art.

Bedesten Bazaar

There is an extensive list of places to visit in Trabzon, but time is limited so we’re covering the highlights. One is the Historical Bedesten Bazaar – one of the city’s most colorful and vibrant structures. Approximately 300 meters from the Trabzon city center, the domed Bazaar dates to the 16th century and is a typical covered market of its era. You can buy souvenirs, handicrafts and other items; on the Bazaar’s upper level are traditional cafes and coffee houses. 

Vital information about Trabzon

What to eat in Trabzon

There is absolutely no short answer to this question. As a city on the Black Sea coast, seafood is a specialty – and anchovies are particularly beloved. They are prepared in a number of ways – fried anchovies and anchovies with rice are examples. Meanwhile, the rich Black Sea cuisine offers many other delicacies, such as Hamsiköy rice pudding and Akçaabat meatballs…you may have to make a list. 

• Fried anchovy
• Akçaabat meatballs
• Trabzon pita
• Hamsiköy rice pudding
• Stuffed cabbage leaves
• Corn bread
• Kuymak
• Laz böreği
• Roasted Pickles
• Kalkanoğlu rice

Transportation in Trabzon

Public transportation in Trabzon is easy and dependable. Municipal buses, minibuses (which usually accommodate up to eight people) and taxis are available in the city center. For distant towns and villages, minibuses depart from the Trabzon city center at regular intervals. The TAKkart is used on 36 bus lines, most of which use the coastal route.

Transportation from Trabzon Airport to the city center

Trabzon Airport is 6 km from the city center. From Trabzon Airport, you can reach the city via Havaş buses, municipal buses, minibuses, and taxis. To return to the airport, Havaş buses depart from the airport and take three different routes: to the city center, to Tirebolu and to Hopa-Ardeşen-Rize. Buses numbered 121, 122, 125, 139, 426, 476, and 501 are operated by the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality and available at the airport exit along with city minibuses.