Trabzon was founded in 2000 BC. Its founders are not known; however, it is said that they were the Turkish Tribes came from Middle Asia over Caucasus. There are some saying about the name of the city is first cited in the book “Anabasis” by Xenophon as “Trapezus”. The book explains that the city took this name just because of the table like shape of its ancient centre; and beside this, the famous traveller Evliya Çelebi, describes Trabzon in his book like; “if it said for Trabzon is the little Istanbul, it is true, and it is like a city which is cultivated Tuğra-Bozan.
Because of its important location on the historic silk route between Europe and Asia, Trabzon hosted many civilizations throughout history. So, the city has gained a rich cultural heritage, enriched by many ancient tales and local folk songs.
Historic records reveal that the city was dominated by the Miletians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Comnenos’. The rule of the Comnenos Princedom which continued for over 250 years from the beginning of the 13th century came to an end when Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror conquered Trabzon in 1461.
The museums, monasteries, mosques, tombs, inns, baths, bedestens and bazaars, city walls surrounding Trabzon and the examples of civil architecture form the historic texture of the city.
Aside thousands of green colour, visited by many local and foreign travellers, this mysterious city of the east has won high praise throughout history, and the travellers Evliya Çelebi and world known Marco Polo mentioned about this city in their written memories.
Named as the Magnificent by the Westerns, Ottoman Ruler Kanuni Sultan Süleyman was born in this city and lived there until he was 15 years old. The city hosts many historical assets from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Periods.
Besides the historic and cultural values, her natural beauties such as lakes, rivers, mountains and plateaux make the city exceptional. Man made works in the city are also worth seeing.
In the skilful hands of the craſtsmen of Trabzon, silver and gold become unique jewelleries namely as ‘kazazlık’ and ‘hasır bilezik’ that are peculiar to the city. Among the symbols of the city are also ‘Horon’ (folkloric dance of the Black Sea Region), ‘kemençe’ (three-stringed musical instrument special to the region) and other folkloric elements.
Major agricultural products in Trabzon such as hazelnut, kivi and tea significantly contribute to the regional economy. Anchovy for which poems are written occupies a great part of the city cuisine. ‘Kuymak’ made from local butter, cheese and cornmeal still preserves its special place in the local cuisine.
With its increasing importance as an international trade centre, Trabzon serving as a bridge between Caucasian, Middle Asia and the west has an important role in recently developed trade relations with the Middle East and Commonwealth of Independent States. Trabzon with its university, modern harbour, international airport, free trade zone and tourism potential promises a bright future.
