Vakfikebir is 40 km west of Trabzon, surrounded by Carsibasi in the east, Besikduzu in the west, Tonya in the south and Black Sea in the north. From Işıklı lighthouse the coastline turns first south west then north west to form the large bay called “Büyükliman” (The Big Harbour). The bay of Buyukliman is partly closed to northwestern wind making it a good refuge for the sailors. The tale of how this county took its name is interesting.

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.