In the eastern Black sea region of Turkey, the city of Trabzon stands on the coastline. It is proud of its heritage and historical importance as a major trading port on the old silk road.
The region also captured the attention of many famous travel writers through history including Marco Polo and Evliya Celebi. They were not the only ones who were in awe of Trabzon because in 1461, the Ottoman ruler Fatih Sultan Mehmet stormed in and conquered the region for himself.
My stay in the city lasted three days. During this time, I explored the sites to see, did a lot of people watching and also listened as the “Days of the Russians” era was proudly explained to me.
Suitcase tourism in Trabzon, Turkey
At the turn of the last century, a war between the Ottoman empire and Russians resulted in the capture of the city. They had a short period of rule before the Russian revolution in 1917 forced them to withdraw.
However it was until the end of the century that the city was to see the golden days. Russia had relaxed the border crossing rules and Russians flocked into Turkey and particularly Trabzon to buy cheap goods and take them back over the border to sell. They were buying in bulk and people could not keep up with the demand for simple things like chocolate.
The locals called it “suitcase tourism” and enjoyed the wealth that came with it, until the Russian government realised what was happening and tightened regulations.
These days it is hard to spot any Russians. Most foreigners I saw were Islamic tourists and the women covered themselves from head to toe in black. Maybe this explained why I could not find anywhere in the city centre that served beer and I had also unknowingly booked myself into a no-alcohol hotel.
Photos of Trabzon City and Province in Turkey
The City Centre
There is certainly no shortage of photo opportunities in the city centre which is easy to navigate. For the first time, I did not get lost and was very confident at getting around.
I remember sitting on a park bench admiring Trabzon for the lack of hassle from vendors or street sellers. Right at that moment, four young lads launched into a sales patter about why I should pay one lira to weigh myself on their scales. I laughed and moved on.
A street in the city centre
Evil eye hanging from a hotel balcony
Local restaurant sign
Statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
The Coastline
Trabzon airport is directly on the coastal line. I had caught an internal flight from the west coast and as the plane began its descent, I seriously wondered if we were going to land in the sea.
Apart from that slight paranoia trip, I enjoyed spending time on the coastline. It is where all the locals hang out in tea gardens and it is also a great place to people watch. The local fishermen spend lazy days sitting there and the restaurants are a favourite for anyone that wants to eat fish.
A local fisherman
These balloons were target practise for youngsters
An empty boat floating
Fishermen
Harbour at Trabzon
Young Boy
One of the coastal restaurants
Boats docked in
Tea garden
Things to do in Trabzon
One of the main reasons to stay in Trabzon is to visit Sumela Monastery which is in the neighbouring town of Macka. The monastery was built into the side of a cliff face and it is quite unbelievable that it has not all come tumbling down.
Sumela Monastery
Sumela Monastery from the inside
Don’t forget to visit the House of Ataturk which stands on a hill overlooking the city
The House of Ataturk
Also on the agenda should be the Hagia Sophia Museum and clock tower
The clock tower of Aya Sofya
Throughout Trabzon, there are many travel agents selling day time trips to Uzungol. It is a mistake to visit the lake just for the day as it is a long drive and there is also so much of this beautiful area to explore. Instead pack your bags and stay in a traditional Uzungol hotel for the night.
uzungol
Readers Question : Which photo is your favourite?
love the photos Nat..
and a very happy New Year to you and your husband.xxx
You too Sharyn, thanks for being a reader throughout 2012
Natalie recently wrote about..28 Stupid Questions That People Asked Google
Wow, Uzongol looks absolutely stunning! And that Sumela Monestary is amazing. So much to see there. I really must go as soon as the weather warms up.
My favorite of these photos: Ataturk House. What a magical shot!
Ellen recently wrote about..A day in Alanya
Definitely go as soon as you can Ellen – it is a great place
Natalie recently wrote about..Hoax : The Most Beautiful Horse in the World Does NOT Live in Turkey
Black-and-white HDR: 1st time I see it. Gorgeous shots
Happy 2013, by the way!
- Maria Alexandra
nomadic translator @latinAbroad recently wrote about..New Year superstitions around the world, NYE traditions, and other facts
You too NT – Hope 2013 is a good one for you
Natalie recently wrote about..Sanliurfa (Urfa) : The City of Abraham
Wow, pretty photos. Love the black and white perspective!
Cheryl recently wrote about..Instragramming … Chiavari, Italy.
Thanks Cheryl, I have a fascination with black and white photos and they seem to end up everywhere!
Natalie recently wrote about..People Watching In Sanliurfa (Urfa) and The Regional Dress Codes
I like the Uzungol photo best!
budget jan recently wrote about..2012 Fun While it Lasted
Uzungol is one of my favourite as well Jan
Natalie recently wrote about..My 2013 Travel Plans for the Bodrum Peninsula
You keep reminding me about all the places we didn’t get to visit!
Jack Scott recently wrote about..The Cream of the Crop 2012
Well then you have to come back!
Natalie recently wrote about..Midyat : Churches, Culture, and a Nine-Year-Old Tour Guide
Beautiful black and white shots. I’ve seen photos of that Monastery before but didn’t know where it was from. Now I do and totally want to go there in the future. Definitely adding Trabzon to the list of must sees in Turkey.
Deb recently wrote about..Live the Life You Want to Not the Life You Think You Should
Definitely put Trabzon on your list Deb – You won’t regret it
Natalie recently wrote about..Midyat : Churches, Culture, and a Nine-Year-Old Tour Guide
Great photos! My favorite is the empty boat floating.
That is one of my favourites as well Jennifer. Thanks for reading. Happy new year to you
Natalie recently wrote about..Midyat : Churches, Culture, and a Nine-Year-Old Tour Guide
Sometimes black and white makes photos just that much more amazing. These are really great Natalie! Looks like such a nice part of Turkey to explore!
Ali recently wrote about..6 Countries for New Travelers
It is an amazing part of Turkey Ali and sad that it is neglected by mainstream tourism.
Natalie recently wrote about..A Gorgeous Cave Hotel in Cappadocia
I just wanted to tell you that these photos are spectacular, whatever edits youve done to them have worked really well.. I really want to visit this region of turkey as i have spent my summers and living time in turkey in Bodrum, Istanbul and the capital. I will definitely be checking it out… beer or no beer!
Definitely visit it Ayse. You won’t regret it!
Natalie recently wrote about..The Coffee Houses of Gaziantep
Absolutely stunning photos! I love the detail in the reflections. So beautiful!!
Turtle recently wrote about..Five ways to experience local Myanmar
Thanks turtle. Trabzon is a great place for anyone interested in photography, amateur or professional
Natalie recently wrote about..No Men Allowed : Ladies Day at the Local Turkish Bath