Ortahisar (Trabzon, District)

Ortahisar is a district of Trabzon province in center. It is located on the East Black Sea Region. It serves as the administrative, commercial, educational and cultural center of Trabzon. It is situated along the ancient Silk Road and has been a site of interaction among different civilizations. Today it hosts both modern infrastructure and historical structures.

History

The settlement history of Ortahisar extends back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological findings confirm human habitation in the region since 5000 BCE. In antiquity, Trabzon was established as a port by Milesian colonists in the 8th century BCE. It retained its importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods and served as the capital of the Empire of Trebizond founded in 1204. During this era Ortahisar developed as a walled settlement encompassing the Upper Fortress and Ortahisar areas. It came under Ottoman rule in 1461 and became the central district of Trabzon with the founding of the Republic. It was restructured administratively in 2012.

Geography and Climate

Ortahisar is located around the center of Trabzon province. It is bounded by the Black Sea to the north and mountainous land to the south. The coastal strip is flat while the inland areas are hilly. A Black Sea climate prevails; summers are warm and rainy while winters are mild and snow rainy. Precipitation throughout the year contributes to dense vegetation. The Değirmendere and small rivers flow through the district boundaries.

Economy

Ortahisar is a region with intense economic activity in Trabzon. The district’s economy is based on trade, industry, tourism, education and services. Trabzon Port contributes to national and international trade. Proximity to the airport supports economic activity. Educational institutions generate employment and income. Tourism provides economic contributions through historical and cultural sites natural beauty and regional kitchen. Food processing construction materials and small-scale production facilities constitute the industrial sector.

Historical Structures

Ortahisar contains various historical structures shaped by the influence of different civilizations throughout its long history. Trabzon Castle located in the district center consists of two sections Aşağı and Yukarı Hisar and played a role in the city’s defense in the past. The Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia Museum attracts attention with its frescoes and architecture. Ottoman-era Gülbahar Hatun Camii and Türbesi İskender Pasha Camii Çarşı Camii and Fatih Camii (former Panagia Hrisokephalos Church) reflect the characteristics of their periods. Additionally Santa Maria Church (former Catholic Church) St Eugenius Church (former Metropolitan Building) Yeni Friday Camii (former St Philippos Church) and the historic Bedesten form part of the district’s cultural heritage.

Tourism and Culture

Ortahisar possesses significant tourism potential due to its historical cultural and natural features. Trabzon Castle Ayasofya Museum and Atatürk Köşkü attract visitors. Its location along the Uzungöl route and presence of regional restaurants are important for gastronomic tourism. Coast parks recreation areas and the city center commerce offer opportunities to visitors. The Trabzon Ortahisar Municipality is developing tourism infrastructure.

Ortahisar exhibits cultural traits unique to the Black Sea Region. Local cuisine uses sea products cornmeal and kale. Horon and kemençe are performed in cultural events. Copperworking filigree wood carving and weaving are traditional crafts.

Education

Ortahisar is one of the region’s important educational centers. Within the district boundaries are Trabzon University and various faculties higher schools and vocational high schools. Educational institutions from primary school to high school as well as private schools provide services. These situation position Ortahisar as an educational hub for Eastern Black Sea.