There is no certain knowledge about the first establishment of Tonya but it is understood that it was between the end of 13th century and the beginning of 14th century. With the conquest of Trabzon by the Turks in 1461, Rum Pontus Empire's sovereignty came to an end. Ottoman Period went by with the transculturation of native Rums and Turkish people, who came as immigrants. In this period, both Rum and Turkish cultures interacted with each other. This interaction shows itself even today.

The history of town is related to that of Trabzons in general. According to historical reports, the town has been settled down by so many tribes since Hittites. It fell under the hegemony of Pechenegs and Byzantines. Ultimately, in 1461, Mehmed II took Trabzon from Pontus Empire and it came under the rule of Ottoman Empire. In 1915, during the World War I, the town was invaded by Russian Army.

There is no certain information about the historical structure of our county. It is known that our county which is an allocation unit in Of, was first within the borders of Pontus Kingdom. After Pontus was destroyed, it was taken by; first Rome and then Byzantine empires. After the era of Trabzon Rum Empire, Hayrat was annexed by Ottoman Empire with the conquest of Trabzon by Mehmet the Coquerer.

It is known that settlement dates back to ancient times in Şalpazarı. The Çepnis who live in this region are the people who came from Ucoklar tribe of Oghuzs. It is known that Cepni people came to city before the conquest of Trabzon, during the period of Uzun Hasan in groups. The word of Cepni means strong to the enemy, brave and merciful to the oppressed, honest. It reflects the features of the people living there.