Vakfıkebir (District)

Trabzon’s one of the districts along the Black Sea coast, Vakfıkebir is a settlement known for its stone oven bread, butter production, and rich historical heritage.

The name Vakfıkebir has historical roots. When Gülbahar Hatun, the mother of Ottoman Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim, traveled by sea to Trabzon, she was caught in a storm and vowed to donate the land in the region as a charitable endowment if she reached shore safely. After arriving safely on land, she fulfilled her vow by donating the land for charitable purposes. The name Vakfıkebir, meaning “large endowment” or “land donated by a prominent person,” is associated with this event. In earlier periods, the district was also known as “Fol” due to the river flowing through it, or “Büyükliman” because of its natural harbor characteristics.

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Located on the Black Sea coast, Vakfıkebir has a terrain characterized by steep and rugged mountain ranges behind it. The Fol Deresi and Kirazlık Deresi, which originate in the district’s mountainous areas, flow through the district center and empty into the Black Sea. Karadağ Yaylası, one of the region’s highest points, occupies a commanding position over the surrounding landscape and contains medicinal mineral water springs.

In addition to baking, agricultural activities hold significant importance in the district. Due to its topography, hazelnut orchards and tea plantations are widespread in the higher elevations. Tea and hazelnut production, characteristic of the Black Sea climate, form the primary livelihood sources for the local population.

Vakfıkebir is renowned for its large-sized stone oven bread, prepared using traditional methods. In addition to this bread, which retains freshness for extended periods, Vakfıkebir butter is another prominent gastronomic product of the region. Annual bread festivals are held in the district to promote these cultural flavors.

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Vakfıkebir is an ancient settlement that has hosted numerous civilizations throughout history, including the Hittites and Romans. It became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1461 following Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s conquest of Trabzon.^【1】 During the National Struggle, the local population supported the independence movement and defended the region.