Trabzon (Turkey) is a city located in the north – eastern part of the country on the Black Sea coast and is part of the region of the same name. The area of the object is about 189 km2, and the population exceeds 800 thousand people. This is a working port city, which, despite the presence of several beaches, can hardly be considered a resort in Turkey. Nevertheless, Trabzon has a rich cultural and historical heritage, which today is reflected in the linguistic diversity of its population, as well as in its attractions.
The city of Trabzon in Turkey was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC and at that time was called Trapezus. It was the easternmost colony in ancient Greece and was of great importance in trade with neighboring states. During the reign of the Roman Empire, the city continued to play the role of an important commercial center, and also became a harbor for the Roman navy. During the Byzantine era, Trabzon acquired the status of the main eastern outpost on the Black Sea coast, and in the 12th century it became the capital of a small Greek state – the Trebizond Empire, formed as a result of the collapse of Byzantium.
In 1461, the city was captured by the Turks, after which it became part of the Ottoman Empire. A large number of Greeks continued to inhabit this territory until 1923, when they were exiled to their homeland. The few who remained converted to Islam, but they did not lose their language, which can still be heard on the streets of Trabzon to this day.
Attractions
Among the attractions of Trabzon, there are historical monuments associated with different eras, picturesque natural sites and attractive places for shopping. Read more about the most interesting ones below.
Panagia Sumela
One of the most famous sights in the vicinity of Trabzon is the ancient monastery of Panagia Sumela. The temple was carved into the rocks at an altitude of three hundred meters above sea level more than 16 centuries ago. For a long time, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God was kept within its walls, and Orthodox Christians from all over the world came here to pray. Currently, the Panagia of Suma does not work, but on the territory of the monastery there are several ancient frescoes and ancient architectural structures that arouse genuine interest among tourists.
Ataturk Mansion
The most important historical figure in Turkey is its first president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who is still deeply respected and revered by many residents of the country. Anyone who wants to get a closer look at the history of the state, we advise you to visit the Ataturk mansion, located in the south-west of the city. It is a three-story structure surrounded by blooming gardens. The building was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by a local banker in a peculiar Black Sea style. In 1924, the mansion was presented as a gift to Ataturk, who at that time visited Trabzon for the first time.
Today, the house of the first president of Turkey has been transformed into a historical museum, where memorabilia and things related to Mustafa Kemal are displayed. In the mansion, you can look at the rather ascetic interiors, furniture, paintings, photographs and dishes, as well as see the typewriter at which Ataturk worked. In summer, it is pleasant to walk through the blooming garden, sit on a bench near the bubbling fountain and enjoy nature.
- Address: Soğuksu Mahallesi, Ata Cd., 61040 Ortahisar / Trabzon, Turkey.
- Opening hours: The attraction is open daily from 09: 00 to 19: 00.
- Visit fee: 8 TL.
Boztepe Observation Deck
Among the attractions of Trabzon in Turkey, it is worth highlighting the Boztepe observation deck. It is located on a high hill, which can be reached by minibus from the bus stop near the central city park. At the top of Boztepe, there is a neat park area with gazebos and cafes offering hot drinks and hookahs. The hill offers spectacular panoramas of the city and the sea, the port and the snow-capped mountains. You can visit the observation deck both during the day and in the late afternoon, when there is a great opportunity to enjoy the sunset and the lights of the night city. This is quite a picturesque place, where it is best to go in clear weather.
- Address: Boztepe Mahallesi, Iran Cd. No: 184, 61030 Ortahisar/Trabzon, Turkey.
- Opening hours: the attraction is open 24 hours a day.
- Admission fee: free of charge.
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Hagia Sophia in Trabzon
Often in the photo of Trabzon in Turkey, an interesting old building appears, surrounded by a garden with palm trees. This is nothing more than the former cathedral of the Trebizond Empire, recognized as an outstanding architectural monument of the late Byzantine era. Although the construction of the temple dates back to the middle of the 13th century, the attraction has reached our days in excellent condition. Today, the walls of the cathedral can be viewed on the artful frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The pediment of the building is decorated with a single-headed eagle: it is believed that the bird figure was placed on the facade in such a way that its gaze was directed exactly at Constantinople. Next to the temple is an astronomical tower, and around the garden stretches with benches, where it is pleasant to contemplate the seascapes. In 2013, the Hagia Sophia in Trabzon was converted into a mosque, so that today the attraction can be visited for free.
- Address: Fatih Mahallesi, Zübeyde Hanım Cd., 61040 Ortahisar/Trabzon, Turkey.
Shopping
Many travelers claim that they can’t imagine their holiday in Trabzon in Turkey without shopping. Indeed, there are many bazaars, small shops and shops selling traditional Turkish goods in the city. These are oriental sweets, ceramics, spices, national-made clothing and much more. It is noteworthy that Trabzon is an inexpensive city, so you can buy quality things here at affordable prices.
In addition, the city has a shopping center Forum Trabzon — one of the largest in Europe. It features both world-renowned products and Turkish goods. Here you will find clothes, shoes, household goods, souvenirs, household appliances, etc. And if the prices for products of international brands in the shopping center are about the same as everywhere else, then goods of national production are quite cheap. It is especially profitable to go shopping here during the seasonal sales period.
- Адрес: Ortahisar Mah, Devlet Sahil Yolu Cad. No: 101, 61200 Merkez / Ortahisar, Trabzon, Turkey.
- Opening hours: daily from 10: 00 to 22: 00.
Beaches
If you look at the photo of the city of Trabzon in Turkey, you can see several beaches. All of them are located close to the motorway and close to the city’s ports. A common characteristic of the local coast is its pebbly surface. During the hot months, the stones are very hot, so it is best to visit the city’s beaches in special shoes. In the sea, the bottom is littered with sharp blocks, but if you swim near the shore, they will not be a problem.
Trabzon has well-equipped beach areas for relaxation, where you can rent sun beds and umbrellas. Along the coast in such places you will find many cafes and restaurants, and on the shore itself — a water entertainment club. In general, Trabzon is suitable for a beach holiday, but you will definitely not find soft white sand and clear turquoise waters here.
Accommodation
Despite the fact that Trabzon is not a full-fledged resort in Turkey, the city and its surroundings offer a fairly rich selection of housing. Most of the local hotels are small establishments without stars, but there are also hotels of the 4* and 5 *categories. During the summer season, renting a double room in a budget hotel costs $ 30-40 per day. Many offers include breakfast in the principal amount.
If you are used to staying in quality hotels, then you can find famous hotels in Trabzon, such as Hilton and Radisson Blu. Accommodation in these options in the summer months will cost $ 130-140 per night for two. You will pay a little less for booking a room in a four-star hotel-from $ 90 to $ 120 per day.
How to get
If you liked the city of Trabzon, and its photos made you think about a trip to the Black Sea coast of Turkey, then you will need information on how to get to the place. Of course, you can always get to the city by air with a transfer in Istanbul or Ankara. But you can also get here by bus from Georgia and by ferry from Sochi.
How to get there from Batumi
The distance from Batumi to Trabzon is about 206 km. Several Metro buses depart daily in the direction of Batumi-Trabzon. Most often, these flights are operated at night (see the exact schedule on the official website www.metroturizm.com.tr). The cost of a one-way trip varies between 80-120 TL.
If you are traveling in Georgia by car, it is not difficult to cross the Georgian-Turkish border, which is only a 30-minute drive from Batumi. After entering Turkey, follow the E70 highway and reach Trabzon in about 3 hours.
How to get there from Sochi
The city of Trabzon can also be reached by ferry from the port of Sochi. Flights are operated several times a week. This option is more profitable for some tourists than air travel, and is especially convenient for those who travel by their own car. Although you will have to pay extra for loading the car on board.
Conclusion
Trabzon (Turkey) can hardly be called a city that every traveler should see at least once in his life. Its coast in many ways resembles the Black Sea coast already familiar to many in Georgia and the Krasnodar Territory. Nevertheless, if you love Turkey, have already visited its Mediterranean resorts and cities of the Aegean Sea, and would like to expand your horizons, then feel free to go to Trabzon. Here you will find interesting sights, good beaches and shopping opportunities. Many people also visit the city as part of a trip to Sochi or Batumi, since it is not difficult to get to it from these points.
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