Trabzon (Province)

Trabzon, Black Sea Region to the east, place area is a province of Türkiye, one of its important port cities. Trabzon, distinguished by both its geographical location and cultural heritage, has been home to numerous civilizations throughout history. City is Türkiye’s 16th largest province with a population of approximately 830,000 as of 2023. Trabzon has become an important destination for both domestic and foreign tourists due to its significance in trade and tourism.

History

Trabzon is a Turkish city located on the eastern Black Sea coast, known since antiquity as an important settlement and trade center. The city has been influenced by various cultures from ancient times to the present and has hosted numerous civilizations.

Trabzon’s history extends back to around 2000 BCE. The earliest settlement traces found in region were used by the Hittites and Phrygians as part of their ancient civilizations. In the 8th century BCE, Greek colonists from antiquity founded Trabzon and established the Kingdom of Pontus. During this period, Trabzon became the capital of Pontus and emerged as a major cultural and commercial center. The influence of this civilization persisted in the region’s art, culture, and language for centuries.

After coming under the rule of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire, Trabzon functioned as a vital commercial and military base throughout the Byzantine era. Following the weakening of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the Empire of Trebizond was established in Trabzon and endured until 1461. After the fall of the Empire of Trebizond, the Ottoman Empire conquered Trabzon and transformed the region into one of its key port cities.

During the Ottoman period, Trabzon developed as a major economic and cultural center. The city’s port became the hub of trade between the Black Sea and Central Asia. In the 19th century, significant demographic changes occurred in Trabzon under the influence of Russian and Armenian populations, enriching the city’s cultural diversity. Occupied by Russian forces in 1916, Trabzon was returned to Ottoman territory in 1918. However, after World War I, the Treaty of Lausanne confirmed Trabzon’s inclusion within the borders of the Republic of Türkiye.

After the proclamation of the Republic, Trabzon rapidly expanded as a city contributing significantly to Türkiye’s economic and cultural development, particularly in the industry and agriculture sectors. Today, Trabzon plays an important role not only as a regional center but also in tourism, agriculture, and trade.

Trabzon’s history holds great regional and national significance. The city’s historical structures, churches, mosques, and ruins provide valuable insights into its past. This historical legacy positions Trabzon as a cultural and historical value both within Türkiye and internationally.

Geography

Trabzon is a province on the eastern coast of the Black Sea region, situated between 40° 60′ north latitude and 39° 70′ east longitude. Located 50 kilometers from the Black Sea, Trabzon shares its eastern border with Georgia, its western border with Giresun and Army provinces, and its southern border with Gümüşhane and Bayburt provinces. This strategic location has made Trabzon a strategically important transit point for both trade and military purposes.

Geographically, Trabzon is a mountainous region characterized by a topography of high mountains and valleys. The city is surrounded by the Torul and Zigana Mountains to the south. The Torul Mountains rise to elevations of up to 3,000 meters, and the steep ascent from the city center toward these mountains has significantly influenced land use and settlement patterns. These mountains also play a decisive role in shaping Trabzon’s climate.

Trabzon’s climate is typical of the Black Sea region, featuring mild conditions. The city experiences rainfall throughout the year and is particularly known for its high humidity levels during winter months. In coastal areas, summers are warm and humid while winters remain mild. Inland areas exhibit a harsher, more continental climate. This situation has been decisive in shaping agricultural practices and settlement structures. Trabzon’s terrain is highly suitable for fruit cultivation, hazelnut farming, and tea production.

The city also possesses rich water resources. The Yalnızçam Mountains to the east of Trabzon serve as the source of various rivers flowing toward the city center. These rivers contribute to both agriculture and hydroelectric power generation. One of the city’s largest rivers, the Kelkit River, originates in the Torul Mountains and flows all the way to Trabzon.

Trabzon’s road network has developed in accordance with its geography. The coastal highway connects the city with other Black Sea provinces, while inland roads provide access to provinces such as Gümüşhane and Bayburt. These roads facilitate travel to the city center, but construction projects in mountainous areas often encounter road challenges.

With its geographical features, Trabzon occupies a strategic position at both local and regional levels and possesses significant potential in agriculture and tourism due to its natural wealth.

Demographics

Trabzon is one of the key provinces of the Black Sea region, featuring a distinctive structure both geographically and demographically. With an area of 4,685 km², Trabzon had a population of 765,127 as of 2009. Of this population, 378,602 (49.43%) were male and 386,525 (50.57%) were female. More than half of the population consists of women, reflecting a balanced gender distribution in Trabzon.

Trabzon’s population varies between the city center and rural areas. According to the 2009 Address-Based Population Census, the urban population was 408,103 (53.34%) and the rural population was 357,024 (46.66%). This indicates a substantial portion of the population resides in rural areas compared to the city center. The population of the central district was recorded as 292,254.

Trabzon, the second most populous province among the 14 provinces of the Black Sea region, hosts 12.44% of the region’s 10 million population. This demographic structure underscores Trabzon’s strategic importance at both local and regional levels. Additionally, due to its location at the beginning of the Caucasus and Iran transit routes, Trabzon has a long history of interaction with diverse cultures.

Trabzon’s geographical structure and climate have influenced the distribution of population density across regions. With its rugged terrain, Trabzon exhibits dispersed settlement patterns, leading to residential areas spread across mountainous zones. Trabzon comprises 17 districts, nine of which are aligned along the 114-kilometer coastline in an east-west direction: Beşikdüzü, Vakfıkebir, Çarşıbaşı, Akçaabat, Yomra, Arsin, Araklı, Sürmene, and Of. The other districts—Tonya, Düzköy, Şalpazarı, Maçka, Köprübaşı, Dernekpazarı, Hayrat, and Çaykara—are located inland. This distribution shows higher population density along the coast compared to inland areas.

Trabzon’s district structure underwent significant changes during the 1980s and 1990s. Beşikdüzü and Şalpazarı became districts in 1988, while Çarşıbaşı, Düzköy, Köprübaşı, Dernekpazarı, and Hayrat gained district status in the 1990s. These developments enabled more localized governance and strengthened the administrative structures of the districts.

In 2014, Trabzon attained metropolitan municipality status, adopting a broader administrative framework. This change marked a shift in the planning and governance of the city. Trabzon’s acquisition of metropolitan status represented a significant administrative transformation, considering its demographic diversity and scale. Due to its dispersed settlement pattern, Trabzon requires distinct management strategies.

With its geographical richness and historical depth, Trabzon is a city that can be visited and explored throughout the four seasons and is also a significant demographic shoot center for tourism. Both the city’s natural and cultural wealth are key factors shaping its demographic structure, establishing Trabzon as one of the leading cities of the Black Sea region.

Economy

Trabzon stands out as an economically diverse province in the Black Sea region due to its strategic location and natural wealth. Trabzon’s economy is largely sustained by agriculture, trade, industry, and tourism.

Trabzon’s economy is heavily based on agriculture. Under the influence of the Black Sea climate, the region provides a suitable environment for cultivating products such as tea and hazelnuts. Trabzon holds a prominent position in Türkiye’s tea production and is among the leading provinces in hazelnut production. In addition, various fruits and vegetables are cultivated in the city and hold significant value in local markets. Along the coastal areas, fishing and sea production are important economic activity sectors.

The industrial sector is also a vital component of Trabzon’s economy. Numerous enterprises operate in textiles, food processing, and automotive industries. Trabzon, benefiting from its port, is a major center for foreign trade, reinforcing its economic structure.

Tourism

Trabzon is a city with year-round tourism potential due to its historical and natural attractions. Tourism activities in the city attract both domestic and international tourists. Trabzon contributes significantly to tourism through its historical structures, natural parks, mountaineering, and outdoor sports. One of the city’s most important tourist sites is the Sümela Monastery, located at an altitude of 386 meters. This monastery, with its historical and religious significance, is among the most visited places in Trabzon. Other key cultural landmarks include the Atatürk Pavilion, Trabzon Castle, Hagia Sophia Mosque, and the Trabzon Museum.

Nature tourism also holds a prominent place in Trabzon’s tourism sector. Natural attractions such as Limni Lake, Uzungöl, Zigana Mountains, and Tomara Waterfall serve as gravity centers for tourists interested in trekking, camping, and caravan tourism. Trabzon is also a suitable destination for winter sports, with the Zigana Ski Center being a key location in this field.

Traditional kitchen is another major tourist attraction in Trabzon. Local dishes such as Trabzon pide, su böreği, and karalahana soup are among the special culinary experiences offered to visitors. Additionally, handicrafts and regional jewelry are sold as souvenirs, establishing a cultural vineyard.

In conclusion, Trabzon is not only an economically strong city through agriculture, industry, cultural heritage, and natural resources but also a major center for tourism. While its economic diversity supports regional development, the tourism sector ensures the city’s global recognition.

Culture and Art

Trabzon, with its historical and cultural richness, is one of the key cities of the Black Sea region and embodies the core of Turkish culture and art. Trabzon’s cultural structure has been shaped by Ottoman and Byzantine influences as well as the region’s natural wealth and the daily life of its people. Throughout history, the city has carried traces of many cultures and civilizations, enriching its cultural heritage through traditional crafts and local cuisine.

Cultural Heritage and Structures

Trabzon has long served as an important center of trade and culture. Among its most renowned structures are the Sümela Monastery, Trabzon Castle, Ayasofya Mosque, and the Atatürk Pavilion. The Sümela Monastery, one of Trabzon’s symbols, attracts both domestic and international tourists with its rich historical past and unique location. The monastery dates back to the Byzantine period and exemplifies the religious and artistic architecture of that era. Trabzon Castle, serving as a strategic point to protect the city, holds great historical and architectural significance.

Ayasofya Mosque is another significant structure from the Byzantine period, reflecting Trabzon’s cultural richness both religiously and artistically. Known for its mosaics bearing Byzantine artistic traces, the building was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman period. This mosque symbolizes Trabzon’s tolerance, where different cultures and beliefs coexisted.

Art and Handicrafts

Trabzon is renowned for traditional Turkish handicrafts, particularly carpet weaving. Trabzon carpets are among the rare examples of handcrafts reflecting the region’s cultural richness. The carpet-making tradition in Trabzon holds an important place in Turkish cultural heritage through works that combine aesthetic and functional value. Other traditional handicrafts in the region include stone craftsmanship, coppersmithing, and silver craftsmanship.

Another area where art and culture thrive in Trabzon is music and people performances. Music unique to the Black Sea region is played especially with instruments such as tulum and kemençe. Trabzon’s folk dances reflects both the lifestyle of the local population and its historical past. These performances are frequently showcased at festivals and weddings.

Modern Art and Cultural Events

In addition to its traditional culture, Trabzon also embraces modern art. Cultural events in the city include exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and film festivals. The Trabzon Culture and Art Center has become the focal point of cultural activities in the city, providing spaces for artists to display their works. Additionally, folk concerts and festivals held in various venues throughout the city are vital elements of Trabzon’s cultural life.

Structures such as the Ayasofya Museum and the Atatürk Pavilion reveal the city’s historical heritage.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Trabzon, due to its geographical location, historical richness, and dynamic structure, is one of the key cities of the Black Sea region. The city maintains important connections at both regional and national levels in terms of transportation infrastructure, supporting its economic and social development. Trabzon’s transportation network offers strong links in road, sea, and air transport.

Road Transportation

Trabzon is one of Türkiye’s most important cities in terms of road transportation. The Black Sea Coastal Road is one of the main transportation arteries connecting Trabzon to the east and west. This road links Trabzon with other Black Sea provinces such as Samsun, Giresun, and Ordu, while also providing access to provinces like Gümüşhane, Bayburt, and Erzurum to the south. The city’s road network is equipped with modern roads and bridges that facilitate both intra-city and inter-city travel. Trabzon’s internal roads play a crucial role in connecting the city center to districts and villages. Traffic congestion, due to the rugged terrain, occasionally creates challenges, prompting continuous improvements to the road infrastructure.

Rail Transportation

Although Trabzon had rail connections in the past, there is currently no active railway service. However, road connections with other major cities in the region partially compensate for this absence. After the removal of railway lines in Trabzon, rail transport significantly declined, but future projects are planned to improve this sector.

Sea Transportation

Trabzon’s coastline on the Black Sea has made it a significant center for maritime transport. Trabzon Port plays a major role in the city’s foreign trade. The port primarily facilitates maritime transport to other Black Sea countries, especially Russia and Georgia. Ferry services from Trabzon Port provide considerable convenience for both passenger and load transport. Additionally, Trabzon’s maritime connections abroad hold great importance for tourism.

Air Transportation

Trabzon is also a major center for air transportation. Trabzon Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Black Sea region, serving both domestic and international flights. Trabzon Airport is of great importance for both tourist and commercial travel. With increasing annual flight numbers, various innovations have been implemented and new terminal buildings constructed to increase passenger capacity. These developments have established Trabzon as a transportation hub at both regional and national levels.

Urban Transportation

Urban transportation in Trabzon is provided through various public transit vehicles such as dolmuşes, buses, and taxis. The city’s public transit network ensures easy access to Trabzon’s different districts. Since attaining metropolitan status, investments in transportation infrastructure have increased, with new bus routes and corridors added. Although traffic congestion and road maintenance works occasionally affect the efficiency of urban transportation, various projects are underway to strengthen the city’s transit network.

Health and Education

Trabzon has made significant progress in both health and education, becoming a regional center through the services it provides. The city has strengthened its healthcare system through projects and investments from both public and private sectors, and offers a high-quality educational infrastructure through universities, schools, and educational institutions.

Trabzon has developed its healthcare infrastructure significantly through major investments from both state and private sectors. Healthcare services in the city provide essential care not only for the local population but also for patients from neighboring environment provinces. Trabzon’s public hospitals and private health facilities are equipped with modern medical equipment and possess substantial expertise in specialized fields. Trabzon University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, as one of the most important healthcare institutions in the region, combines academic and clinical activities. In addition, hospitals in Trabzon offer quality healthcare services through specialist doctors in fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, and internal medicine.

Trabzon is also growing as a health tourism center, with domestic and international tourists utilizing its healthcare services. Private clinics in the city offer health tourism services such as aesthetic surgery, tooth treatments, and spa centers, which are important factors supporting Trabzon’s economy. Furthermore, various health projects and campaigns in Trabzon raise public awareness on health issues.

Trabzon has shown significant advancement in the field of education. The city’s educational infrastructure spans from primary school to university level. Trabzon’s education system aims to provide quality educational opportunities for individuals of all ages. Schools in Trabzon are divided into public and private institutions, both of which deliver education using modern teaching methods. High schools in the city provide students with a strong academic foundation while also offering programs oriented toward various professional fields.

One of the most important institutions in Trabzon’s education system is Trabzon University. Established in 2006, this university is one of the key actors in higher education in the city. Trabzon University, with faculties offering education in medicine, engineering, business, and social sciences, makes a major contribution to the education of youth in the region. Additionally, the university aims to establish Trabzon as a scientifically recognized city through various research projects and academic research.

One of the most important steps in strengthening Trabzon’s education system was the granting of metropolitan status in 2014. With this status, increased investments were made in educational infrastructure, resulting in the construction of new schools and educational buildings. Furthermore, collaborations between universities and schools in the city provide students with both theoretical and practical educational opportunities.

Trabzon continuously signs innovative projects aimed at enhancing educational quality. Additionally, educational institutions in the city organize various seminars, conferences, and training programs through their common activities. These programs assist students in personal and professional development, raising the quality of education in Trabzon.

Accommodation and Social Life

As a culturally and economically significant city in the Black Sea region, Trabzon offers diverse accommodation and social life opportunities for both residents and visitors. The city’s accommodation infrastructure has developed to meet the needs of both tourists and long-term residents. Simultaneously, social life, shaped by Trabzon’s rich cultural heritage and historical fabric, provides abundant opportunities for social interaction and community engagement.

Given its importance in tourism, Trabzon offers a wide variety of accommodation facilities. In the city center and surrounding districts, there are numerous option such as hotels, boutique hotels, apartment hotels, pensions, and mountain homes. Trabzon provides accommodation options for every budget, and these options have diversified as tourist interest in the city has grown. In areas with natural attractions such as Sümela Monastery and Uzungöl, facilities offering immersive nature-based accommodation are available.

The hotel industry in Trabzon continuously evolves to meet the accommodation needs of domestic and international tourists. Moreover, the modernization in Trabzon’s hotel infrastructure enhances the city’s competitive power in the international tourism market. Accommodation services in the city are enriched by hospitality, high-quality service standards, and regional cuisine.

Trabzon’s social life is shaped by its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Daily life in the city blends traditional local customs with modern lifestyles. Trabzon is known for the warm and hospitable nature of its residents, and its social spaces cater to a broad spectrum of needs for both locals and visitors.

Trabzon is also rich in social activities. Festivals, concerts, cultural events, and exhibitions held in the city attract both domestic and international tourists. Trabzon’s traditional music, especially folk music performed with instruments such as kemençe and tulum, holds an important place in social life. Additionally, folkloric events in Trabzon are vital elements of the city’s social fabric. Trabzon Horonu, one of the city’s major folk dances, is frequently performed at local festivals.

The food and drink culture also plays a major role in Trabzon’s social life. Trabzon cuisine, with its rich and varied dishes, supports social interaction. Traditional dishes such as Trabzon pide, To knead, and cabbage wraps are indispensable elements of the city’s social life. Additionally, the café culture in the city serves as an important social space where young people and tourists gather and interact.

Administration

Trabzon, located in Türkiye’s Black Sea region and distinguished by its historical and cultural heritage, possesses a strong governance structure at both central and local levels. Since 2014, Trabzon has attained metropolitan municipality status, leading to significant changes and developments in its local governance system.

Local Governance Structure

Trabzon’s local governance structure follows a model common to other metropolitan municipalities in Türkiye, where central administration and local governance both play vital roles. The Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality serves as the highest administrative body responsible for managing local governance and public services in the city. Since attaining metropolitan status in 2014, the municipality has expanded its range of municipality services. The Metropolitan Municipality is responsible for organizing infrastructure services in the city center and districts, organizing social and cultural activities, and implementing local governance policies in education and health sectors.

Although Trabzon’s local governance system operates in accordance with general rules and laws set by the central government, local applications and decisions hold great importance. The Mayor of Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, elected by the public, leads local governance. While the mayor oversees planning, service delivery, and other administrative duties, the Municipal Council plays a crucial role in decision-making processes.

Trabzon’s local administration considers demands from districts and develops projects to meet the specific needs of each district. Trabzon comprises 17 districts, each managing its own administrative processes independently from the metropolitan municipality. Each district has its own mayor and council, but these municipalities deliver services in alignment with the metropolitan municipality’s overall strategies.

Metropolitan Municipality and Administrative Services

The Metropolitan Municipality organizes numerous services beyond infrastructure projects, including urban transportation, sanitation, parks, and garden management. The municipality also implements social responsibility projects and cultural activities to improve residents’ quality of life. Trabzon’s local administration actively works to resolve various urban issues by maintaining frequent communication with the public.

The Metropolitan Municipality signs various projects in tourism, health, education, sports, and environmental sectors, aiming to make the city more livable for both residents and tourists. Among the initiatives undertaken by the municipality are efforts to preserve the city’s historical heritage while balancing modernization processes.