Sürmene (District)

Sürmene is a lush coastal district belonging to Trabzon in the eastern part of the Black Sea Region. In this beautiful place, the blue of the sea embraces the green of the forests. Can you guess where its name comes from? Due to the beauty of its nature, as well as the pleasant climate and water, the name Sürmene, meaning “beauty” in ancient times, was given to this town. This unique corner of the Black Sea is known not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its history, delicious cuisine, and traditional crafts. For anyone who loves being immersed in nature, Sürmene is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

^{Black Sea Nature (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

Sürmene is a seaside town bordered to the north by the endless Black Sea and surrounded by neighboring districts such as Of, Araklı, and Köprübaşı. It is located approximately 50 kilometers from the city center of Trabzon. This region receives abundant rainfall and is so rich in forests and vegetation that half of Turkey’s plant species thrive here.^【1】

Have you ever thought that a tree could decide where to grow? The Turkish pine, which typically thrives at high altitudes (around 1,600 meters), begins growing right from the shoreline exclusively in the Çamburnu neighborhood of Sürmene. This is a remarkable surprise offered by nature!

On these fertile lands, in addition to tea, hazelnuts, and corn, many delicious fruits such as apples, pears, fragrant black grapes, and even kiwi are cultivated. Moreover, because the people of Sürmene live along the coast, they are also engaged in fishing.^【2】

^{Sürmene Nature (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

In ancient times, around the beginning of AD 550, a traveler named Procopius visited this area during a sea voyage and referred to it as the village of “Susurmena” in his notes. Many years later, in 1461, the renowned Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered Trabzon and its surroundings, incorporating these beautiful lands into the Ottoman territories.^【3】

One of the first things that come to mind when Sürmene is mentioned is the world-famous Sürmene knife. Since the Ottoman period, skilled blacksmiths have shaped high-quality steel by hand to produce these knives. Made entirely through handcrafting rather than industrial machinery, these knives are renowned for their exceptional sharpness and distinctive handles made of wood or bone.

One of the most distinctive flavors of Black Sea cuisine is the Sürmene pide. Its thin dough is baked in stone ovens with generous amounts of butter and a special filling. Originally developed as a filling meal for people working under the harsh natural conditions of the Black Sea region, today this pide is a delicacy that everyone finds irresistible.

When you hear the cheerful folk songs of the Black Sea, the kemençe immediately comes to mind, doesn’t it? The finest craftsmen who make this traditional musical instrument unique to the region have always come from Sürmene. Additionally, skilled blacksmiths in this district produce tools such as hoes and sickles used in agriculture.