The Trabzon Museum is a museum that exhibits archaeological and ethnographic artifacts reflecting the historical and cultural heritage of Trabzon. It operates in the Kostaki Mansion, which was built in the early 20th century. The museum was opened to visitors on April 22, 2001.

History

After Kostaki Teophylaktos went bankrupt in 1917, the mansion and his other assets were seized and later purchased by the Nemlioğlu family. During 15–17 September 1924, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his wife Latife Hanım, and their delegation visited Trabzon and were hosted in the mansion. Between 1927 and 1932, the Trabzon Governorship expropriated the property for 25,000 TL. The mansion served as a government residence (1927–1931) and then as an inspectorate building (1931–1937).

From 1937 to 1987, the mansion functioned as the Trabzon Girls’ Vocational High School. In 1988, it was transferred to the Ministry of Culture. Restoration took place from 1988 to 2001, and on 22 April 2001, it officially opened as the Trabzon Museum.

^{Costaki Teophylaktos, His Wife And Son (Esin Kuleli)}

Architectural Features

The Kostaki Mansion exemplifies European-influenced architecture, with Baroque and Rococo elements. Italian architects are believed to have designed the mansion, and many construction materials were imported from Italy.

The mansion consists of a basement, ground floor, first floor, and mezzanine. Walls are richly decorated with stucco and painted embellishments. The ground floor features a ballroom with iron structure and glass covering, and the west façade’s later-added second floor does not fully harmonize with the original structure.

^{Different Types of Windows on Facades (Esin Kuleli)}

Functional Transformation and Museum Layout

Following restoration, the building was adapted into a museum with the following layout:

• Basement: Archaeological Artifacts Section
• Ground Floor: Mansion Display (original decorated rooms)
• First Floor: Ethnographic Artifacts Section
• Mezzanine: Administrative units

The archaeological section showcases artifacts from the Trabzon region, while the ethnographic section displays traditional daily-life objects and clothing specific to Trabzon and its surroundings.

^{Inside the Museum (Turkish Museums)}

Documentation and Preservation

The building was documented under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, including surveys, plans, decorative analyses, and structural studies. Data were obtained from the Trabzon Survey and Monuments Directorate and the Trabzon Cultural Heritage Preservation Board archives.

Damage and structural deterioration in original sections were assessed, including cracks caused by the later-added second floor on the western annex, visible on the northern façade.

The Kostaki Mansion, originally a private residence, underwent multiple functional changes throughout the 20th century and was opened as a museum in 2001. Its architectural plan, decorations, materials, and layered history mark it as a registered cultural heritage site.