Discover Trabzon
The Intersection of Culture, Art, and History: Trabzon
Trabzon is one of the rare cities with a known history dating back at least 4,000 years. Due to its geographical importance and its role as a major crossroads, it has attracted the world's attention throughout every era of history. With its centuries-old commercial, administrative, and cultural heritage, Trabzon continues to offer unique cultural assets to both local and foreign visitors today. During these festival days, where we gather through the unifying power of choral music, we invite you to discover the historical routes of this ancient city.
Sümela Monastery
Built on a steep cliff approximately 300 meters above the Altındere Valley, it overlooks the foothills of Karadağ. Founded in the name of the Virgin Mary, the structure is thought to have taken its name from the word "melas," meaning "black" (or from the dark color of the icon). It experienced its most brilliant period in the 19th century with the addition of large buildings. The inner and outer walls of the main rock church are adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.
Vazelon and Kızlar (Nuns) Monastery:
Located within pine forests, Vazelon Monastery hosts valuable frescoes dating back to the 15th century. The Kızlar Monastery (Panagia Theokephastos), built on the slopes of Boztepe with a commanding view of the city, was constructed on two terraces and contains portraits of the rulers of the period inside its rock church.
Atatürk Mansion
Built in the early 19th century on the ridges of Soğuksu, reflecting the influences of European and Western Renaissance architecture. While staying at this mansion in 1937, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk made the decision to bequeath his entire estate to the beloved Turkish nation and prepared his will here.
Trabzon Museum (Kostaki Mansion)
Built in the early 1900s and enriched with materials brought from Italy, this mansion is one of the few examples of civil architecture in our country with walls entirely decorated with hand-drawn pen-work .
Trabzonspor Museum:
Serving as the football memory of Trabzon, the museum also houses the famous "Half Trophy," which was shared by being cut in two due to equal points and average in 1958.
Hagia Sophia Mosque:
Built during the reign of Manuel I Komnenos (1238-1263) with a square-cross plan, this structure is a beautiful example of late Byzantine churches. The southern facade features a relief frieze depicting the creation of Adam and Eve, along with the single-headed eagle motif, the symbol of the Komnenos dynasty. The structure bears traces of both Christian and Seljuk art in its superior stone masonry.
Ortahisar Fatih Mosque & Gülbahar Hatun Mosque:
The Ortahisar Fatih Mosque, dating back to 914 and used as the main church (cathedral) of the period before being converted into a mosque after the conquest, is notable for its rich mihrab decorations and walnut wood pulpit. The Gülbahar Hatun Mosque was built in 1514 in the name of Yavuz Sultan Selim's mother, following the "Zaviyeli" (hospice-type) mosque plan, which holds a special place in early Ottoman architecture.
Additionally; Taşhan, Alaca Han, and Vakıf Han, reflecting the city's past commercial life; the Abdullah Pasha Fountain, one of the elegant examples of water architecture; and the historical Zağnospaşa Bridge await our guests who wish to lose themselves in the streets of the city between festival performances.
For further information, you may also visit the official website of the Governorship of Trabzon:
https://www.trabzon.gov.tr/kultur-sanat-ve-turizm