City Center

Trabzon City Center combines Byzantine heritage, Ottoman architecture, historic trading areas and the lively atmosphere of one of the most important cities on Türkiye’s Black Sea coast. For centuries, Trabzon served as a major commercial and cultural centre connecting Anatolia with the Caucasus, the Black Sea and routes further east. Trabzon Square, also known as Meydan, forms the modern heart of the city. Surrounded by shops, cafés, pedestrian streets and public spaces, the square is one of the best starting points for exploring the historic centre and experiencing the everyday life of Trabzon. The Trabzon Castle Walls extend through parts of the old city and reflect Trabzon’s long strategic importance. Built and strengthened during different historical periods, the fortifications protected the settlement from antiquity through the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Surviving sections of walls and towers still mark the historic layout of the city. One of the most important Ottoman monuments is the Gülbahar Hatun Mosque and Tomb. Built in the early 16th century in memory of Gülbahar Hatun, the mother of Sultan Selim I, the mosque forms part of a historic religious complex and is known for its elegant stone architecture and peaceful surroundings. Trabzon’s commercial history can be experienced around the Bedesten and Çarşı Mosque. The Bedesten is a historic covered marketplace associated with the city’s long trading tradition, while the nearby Çarşı Mosque is one of the important Ottoman-era mosques in the commercial centre. Together, they reflect the connection between trade, religion and daily urban life. Kanuni House is traditionally associated with Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, who was born in Trabzon in 1494 while his father Selim served as governor of the city. The house and surrounding area commemorate Trabzon’s connection with one of the most important rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Saint Anne Church is one of the oldest surviving Christian monuments in Trabzon. The small stone church reflects the city’s Byzantine heritage and preserves architectural and decorative details from the medieval period, offering a glimpse into Trabzon’s long Christian history. The Trabzon City Museum presents the social, cultural and economic development of the city through photographs, documents, objects and interactive exhibitions. It provides useful context for understanding Trabzon’s maritime traditions, local culture and changing urban identity. Another important cultural landmark is the Trabzon Museum, housed in the impressive Kostaki Mansion. Built in the early 20th century, the mansion is notable for its richly decorated interiors and European-influenced architecture. Its museum collections and historic rooms reflect both the archaeology of the region and the cosmopolitan character of late Ottoman Trabzon. Together, Trabzon Square, the Castle Walls, Gülbahar Hatun Mosque, Bedesten, Çarşı Mosque, Kanuni House, Saint Anne Church and the city’s museums reveal the many historical layers of Trabzon. Byzantine heritage, Ottoman architecture, commercial traditions and Black Sea culture make the city centre one of the most rewarding urban destinations in northern Türkiye.