TRABZON CITY

Trabzon's history stretches back to the 7th century BC and its historic and cultural heritage alone would qualify it to be the most important as well as the largest city in the eastern Black Sea region. Added to this, however, is the fact that Trabzon is situated at the very heart of road, sea and air connections - an important sea port for east-west connections and part of the transit route which leads to the south east through Erzurum to Iran. This strategic position has confirmed Trabzon's importance as a centre of trade and commerce and an area of increasing economic development. During the Ottoman period, the city was known as the 'City of Princes', and towards the 18th century played a major role in the initiation and development of trade between the East and the West.

The 19th century established Trabzon as a bridge between developing European industry and the Middle East. Following the break up of the Soviet Union, the emerging republics and new economic structures to the North and East of Turkey have made Trabzon once again an extremely important city. It is now a major gateway to Turkey and to the outside world for the citizens of these new republics. Throughout history Trabzon has maintained its importance as a city and a centre of natural beauty and cultural wealth. It is renowned for its mist-topped mountains, the verdant green of its pine forests giving way to meadows scattered with wild flowers, its hazelnut groves and its hardworking and determined people. An area of outstanding beauty, the Black Sea coast is Turkey's greenest region, offering a surprising contrast to the rest of the country, with its lush green mountains and valleys, glacial lakes, clear gushing mountain streams and long beaches. The area is sprinkled with early Byzantine and Genoese monasteries and castles, rising impressively from the steep hillsides, and is renowned for its friendly people with their strong cultural traditions.

Trabzon is the cultural and commercial centre of the Eastern Black Sea region. Until now, the Black Sea coast has also been one of Turkey's least known regions. Trabzon is also increasing in importance as a commercial and business centre, particularly in relation to its proximity to the emerging states of the former Soviet Union. Trabzon is easily accessible by air from the international airport of Trabzon or by road or ferry

CRAFTS AND CULTURE

Historic attractions in the area include Trabzon's romantic monastery church of Haghia Sophia, which houses some of the most impressive Byzantine frescoes in the world, and the monastery of Suriela, which lies to the south in the surrounding mountains and is perhaps the best unknown attraction in the area. A 13th century monastery, appearing to rise out of a sheer rock face, it was dedicated to the Virgin of the Black Rock. Located in the Degirmendere valley, and spread along the slopes of the Black Sea, Trabzon has a climate typical of the region. In summer the temperature is pleasantly cool and in winter it is mild with an annual average temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius. It has a relatively high rainfall all year round, producing a landscape of lush greenery. Dense pine forests cover the mountains and lush vegetation and an abundance of crops flourish in the lower elevations and valleys. The area is home to many beautiful species of plant and wildlife, many unique to the region. The unusual and varied landscape has shaped the industry and culture of the area, which is based largely on agriculture.

The villages in the area were first established in the valleys of streams flowing seawards from the mountains. Here the villagers cultivate crops such as tea, hazelnuts and maize and breed livestock. From June onwards, there is a general migration from the villages to the mountain plateaux or 'yayla', where they take their livestock to graze in the fresh, green pastures. Traditionally, the whole village will migrate together accompanied by music, dancing and entertainment en route. Cheese and butter are also produced from the cow's milk. The mountain hamlets have preserved their traditional wooden architectural styles. These charming wooden houses are small - usually with two storeys - with part of the ground floor used to accommodate livestock and the first floor used as living accommodation. Villagers from many encampments gather together for feasting, singing and dancing, and often small stalls are erected for the villagers to sell their wares. These festivities usually take place towards the end of July.

 Trabzon's Districts map;