Perched on a broad table-like promontory overlooking the Black Sea, Trabzon is one of Turkey’s oldest and most historically significant cities. For more than 2,700 years, it has served as a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, flourishing as a center of trade, culture, religion, and politics.

From its origins as a Greek colony to its role as the capital of the Empire of Trebizond and later an important Ottoman port, Trabzon has witnessed the rise and fall of great civilizations. Today, the city enchants visitors with its Byzantine churches, Ottoman monuments, bustling harbor, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and vibrant Black Sea culture.

A History Spanning Nearly Three Millennia

The Greek Foundation

Trabzon’s recorded history begins around 756–746 BC, when settlers from the ancient Greek city of Miletus, arriving via Sinop, established a trading colony called Trapezus. The name derived from the Greek word trapeza, meaning “table,” referring to the flat plateau overlooking the harbor where the first settlement was built.

Thanks to its strategic location, Trapezus quickly developed into an important commercial port linking the Black Sea with the interior of Anatolia and the Caucasus.

Persian Rule

During the 6th century BC, Trabzon became part of the Achaemenid Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great and later Darius I. The city remained under Persian control until 334 BC, when Alexander the Great defeated the Persian forces during his conquest of Anatolia.

Although Alexander himself never entered Trabzon, his victories brought the region under Macedonian influence and transformed the political landscape of Asia Minor.

The Kingdom of Pontus

Following Alexander’s death in 323 BC, his empire fragmented among his generals. By 281 BC, the independent Kingdom of Pontus had emerged along the Black Sea coast.

Under rulers such as Pharnaces I and later Mithridates VI Eupator, Pontus became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient world.

While Sinop served as the royal capital, Trabzon became the kingdom’s principal eastern harbor, exporting:

• Timber
• Metals
• Copper
• Silver
• Agricultural products
• Shipbuilding materials

Its excellent harbor made it an indispensable commercial center for the Pontic Kingdom.

Roman Prosperity

Following Rome’s victory over Pontus in the 1st century BC, Trabzon became an important city of the Roman Empire.

During the reigns of Emperor Vespasian (AD 69–79) and Emperor Trajan (AD 98–117), roads connecting Persia and Upper Mesopotamia with the Black Sea dramatically increased Trabzon’s commercial importance.

Later, Emperor Hadrian (AD 117–138) strengthened the city further by constructing a new harbor that transformed Trabzon into one of the empire’s most important ports on the eastern Black Sea.

The Romans also built:

• Aqueducts
• Defensive walls
• A hippodrome
• Public baths
• A theater
• Administrative buildings
• Fortifications

Many of these projects reshaped the city’s appearance and prosperity.

Gothic Invasions and Christianity

Trabzon’s prosperity suffered in AD 258, when invading Goths attacked and looted the city during the reign of Emperor Valerian.

Although the city was rebuilt, it never fully recovered its former Roman grandeur.

As Christianity spread across Anatolia, Trabzon became an important religious center. Numerous churches, monasteries, and religious schools were established, many of which survived into the Byzantine era.

Among the region’s greatest religious monuments is the spectacular Sumela Monastery, founded high in the Pontic Mountains during the 4th century.

Byzantine Era

Following the division of the Roman Empire in AD 395, Trabzon became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.

During the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527–565), the city received new defensive walls, improved water systems, and strengthened fortifications to protect it against frequent invasions.

Throughout the following centuries, Arab armies repeatedly attacked the region, while local Byzantine governors struggled to preserve their independence.

The Empire of Trebizond

One of the most remarkable chapters in Trabzon’s history began in 1204, after the Fourth Crusade captured Constantinople.

Members of the Komnenos Dynasty, led by Alexios I Komnenos, established the independent Empire of Trebizond, with Trabzon as its capital.

For more than 250 years (1204–1461), Trebizond flourished as one of the wealthiest trading states on the Silk Road.

Its merchants traded with:

• Persia
• Georgia
• Armenia
• Venice
• Genoa
• Central Asia

The city became famous for its magnificent palaces, churches, libraries, and thriving international marketplace.

Ottoman Conquest

After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Trabzon became increasingly isolated.

In 1461, Sultan Mehmed II (Fatih Sultan Mehmet) launched a major military campaign along the Black Sea coast.

After capturing Amasra, Kastamonu, and Sinop, Ottoman forces surrounded Trabzon by land and sea.

On 26 October 1461, the last emperor of Trebizond, David Komnenos, surrendered peacefully, bringing the Empire of Trebizond to an end.

Trabzon then became an important provincial center of the Ottoman Empire.

Trabzon During the Ottoman Period

Under Ottoman rule, Trabzon regained its importance as one of the empire’s leading Black Sea ports.

Several prominent Ottoman rulers had close connections with the city.

Most notably:

• Prince Selim, later Sultan Selim I (Yavuz Sultan Selim), served as governor of Trabzon before ascending the throne.
• Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the Ottoman Empire’s greatest rulers, was born in Trabzon in 1494.

The city prospered through commerce, shipbuilding, agriculture, and regional administration.

Modern History

During World War I, Russian forces occupied Trabzon on 18 April 1916.

The occupation ended after the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918, when Russian troops withdrew.

Following the Turkish War of Independence, Trabzon became an integral part of the modern Republic of Türkiye and has continued to grow as an important commercial, educational, and cultural center.

Today, the city remains the principal port of Turkey’s eastern Black Sea coast.

Historical Attractions

Trabzon is filled with monuments reflecting every stage of its long history.

Major attractions include:

Trabzon Castle

One of the city’s oldest surviving monuments, the castle overlooks the harbor and preserves sections of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman fortifications.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Built during the 13th century by the rulers of the Empire of Trebizond, the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon is one of the finest examples of late Byzantine architecture.

Originally constructed as a church, it later served as a mosque, museum, and today once again functions as a mosque while preserving many remarkable medieval frescoes and stone carvings.

Atatürk Mansion

This elegant early-20th-century villa served as the residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visits to Trabzon and now operates as a museum.

Trabzon Bazaar

The city’s historic market continues a commercial tradition dating back more than two millennia.

Visitors can browse:

• Handmade silver jewelry
• Copperware
• Traditional textiles
• Local tea
• Hazelnuts
• Black Sea honey
• Regional handicrafts

Trabzon Today

Modern Trabzon successfully blends ancient history with contemporary life.

The city is renowned for:

• Its busy international port
• Universities and cultural institutions
• Traditional Black Sea music and dance
• Fresh seafood
• World-famous Akçaabat meatballs
• Tea gardens overlooking the sea
• Easy access to mountain villages and alpine plateaus

It also serves as the gateway to many of northeastern Turkey’s most famous attractions, including Sumela Monastery, Uzungöl, Altındere National Park, and the scenic highlands of the Pontic Mountains.

Why Visit Trabzon?

Trabzon is far more than a coastal city—it is one of Turkey’s great historical crossroads, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations have all left their mark. From ancient castles and Byzantine churches to lively bazaars, mountain monasteries, and a thriving Black Sea port, every corner of the city tells a fascinating story.

Whether you are interested in history, architecture, culture, gastronomy, or the spectacular landscapes of northeastern Turkey, Trabzon offers an unforgettable journey through nearly three thousand years of civilization.