Zağnos Valley

Zağnos Valley is a historical and recreational valley located within the Ortahisar district boundaries of Trabzon in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region. The valley is named after Zağnos Pasha, who undertook construction activities following Trabzon’s incorporation into Ottoman territory in the 15th century. The area has been redeveloped through urban transformation initiatives since the 2000s.

The Zağnos Bridge within the valley contains architectural traces from the Roman Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The bridge was repaired during the Ottoman era in the 15th century by Zağnos Mehmet Pasha. Surrounding the valley are also remnants of historical fortification walls and examples of various civil architecture.

In the early 2000s the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality and the Housing Development Administration of Türkiye (TOKİ) initiated urban transformation projects around the valley. Unplanned constructions were removed and pedestrian paths landscape arrangements open green spaces and social infrastructure areas were constructed. Rainwater drainage and sewage systems were separated and infrastructure works were completed.

Following its redevelopment Zağnos Valley is used for open space planning and urban recreation. The valley contains pedestrian walkways seating areas and children’s play zones as well as a bird observation park. This bird park was established to introduce native and exotic bird species to the public.

Archaeological excavations are being conducted in the İçkale area south of Zağnos Valley under the coordination of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the direction of the Trabzon Museum Directorate. These excavations have uncovered architectural structures and various movable cultural artifacts from the Roman Byzantine Komnenos and Ottoman periods. At the excavation site a stone palace ruin believed to belong to the Komnenos dynasty a bathhouse and wall remains along with vaulted structures have been identified. After the completion of the excavations the goal is to restore the findings and reconstruct the ruins to enhance the region’s cultural tourism potential.

Zağnos Valley hosts various cultural events in Trabzon. For instance performances of folk dances and mehter band concerts have been held in Zağnos Valley as part of the Trabzon International Film Festival. Additionally during the month of Ramadan events such as mehter concerts religious lectures and semazen performances have been organized. These activities contribute to the social life of the local community and help sustain cultural values.

^{A view from Zağnos Valley -} Culture Portal