Akçaabat is a district of Trabzon Province in Türkiye's Black Sea Region. It borders Ortahisar to the east, Vakfıkebir to the west, Çarşıbaşı to the southwest, and Düzköy and Maçka to the south. Located on the Black Sea coast, Akçaabat is approximately 13 kilometers from Trabzon city center. Due to its geographical location, the district has both coastal and inland settlements, combining urban and rural characteristics.

^{Akçaabat ( Akçaabat Municipality )}

History

The history of the district of Akçaabat, along with the region's general history, dates back to ancient times. It is understood that the region was associated with the Greek colonies that settled along the Black Sea coast from the 7th century BC onward. Akçaabat, a strategically important coastal settlement during the Roman and Byzantine periods, was annexed to Ottoman territory with the conquest of Trabzon by the Ottoman Empire in 1461. During the Ottoman period, when the process of Islamization began, the district remained administratively under the Trabzon Sanjak. Ottoman archival documents contain various records regarding the administrative and economic structure of Akçaabat.

^{Historical Photo of The Akçaabat district ( Akçaabat Municipality )}

Geography

Akçaabat is located on the northern slopes of the Eastern Black Sea Mountains, on a steep and rugged topography bordering the Black Sea. The district's surface area is 385 km². Influenced by the Black Sea climate, the region experiences humid, rainy, and mild weather throughout the year. Summers are cool and winters are mild. The average annual temperature is around 14-15°C. The mountainous terrain creates microclimatic differences within the valleys and at higher elevations.

Population and Demography

According to TÜİK's Address-Based Population Registration System (ABPRS) 2024 data, the Akçaabat district has a total population of 130,398. The majority of the population lives in the district center and neighborhoods near the coastline. The population density is lower in rural areas. The female population is 50.2% and the male population is 49.8%. The population's age structure is dominated by young and middle-aged groups. In recent years, due to its proximity to the city center and Trabzon city center, it has seen migration.

Economy

Akçaabat's economy is based on agriculture, the service sector, small-scale industry, and public services. Hazelnut, corn, and tea production are the leading agricultural sources, while livestock farming is also a source of income in rural neighborhoods. Fishing is a traditional economic activity due to its proximity to the Black Sea. Public employment in education and healthcare is prominent in the service sector, while small businesses also contribute to the local economy. The district also has the potential for development in logistics, as it is located at a key intersection on Trabzon's western corridor.

Tourism, Culture, and Cuisine

Akçaabat is a district notable for its natural landscapes and rural cultural heritage. The Hıdırnebi and Kayabaşı plateaus are prominent destinations for highland tourism. Lake Sera and its coastal parks are also frequently visited by locals and visitors. Folk dances performed with the horon and kemençe instruments hold a significant cultural significance. Akçaabat boasts examples of civic buildings and historic mosques that reflect traditional architectural features.

Akçaabat meatballs, a key element of the local cuisine, have become synonymous with the district thanks to their unique preparation and presentation. In addition, stuffed cabbage, kale soup, cornbread, and anchovy dishes are among the cornerstones of traditional cuisine.

^{Akçaabat Meatballs ( Akçaabat Municipality )}