Trabzon — the capital of the Black Sea

1. Overview

• Area: 4,664 km², 18 districts, high mountains and coastline.
• Airport: Trabzon (TZX) — Gulf direct flights from Doha, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, Kuwait, Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain.
• Known for: Uzungöl, Sümela, Akçaabat meatballs, anchovy, kuymak.

2. Uzungöl

• 1,090 m elevation, Çaykara district, 100 km from Trabzon center.
• Entry to the lake is free; parking ₺50-100.
• Boat / bike / horse / ATV tours available.
• Quieter alternatives: Demirkapı (2,300 m), Sultanmurat, Şerah, Haldizen.

3. Sümela Monastery

• Maçka district, 1,200 m, carved into a cliff in the Altındere valley.
• Founded AD 386; abandoned after the 1923 population exchange.
• Full reopening July 2020; restoration ongoing in upper sections 2024-2026.
• ~30-minute uphill walk from parking or pay for the shuttle van.

4. Highlands

• Hıdırnebi (1,650 m, Akçaabat): 20 July annual festival.
• Sultanmurat (1,900 m, Çaykara): pine forests.
• Haçka (1,700 m, Maçka): combines well with Sümela day trips.
• Kadırga (2,000 m, Tonya-Köprübaşı): famous 200+ year-old festival every 3rd Friday of July.

5. City sights

• Boztepe (245 m) — panoramic sunset.
• Atatürk Pavilion — 1903 neo-classical villa.
• Hagia Sophia (Trabzon) — 13th c. Byzantine church, now mosque.
• Ortahisar, Zağnos Valley, Uzun Sokak.

6. Food

• Akçaabat köftesi: geo-indicated beef meatball.
• Kuymak: buttered cornmeal with cheese.
• Hamsi (anchovy): 40+ preparations in season (Nov-Feb).
• Vakfıkebir bread, Tonya butter, Kolot cheese.

7. FAQ