Trabzon history

The history of Turkey is rich in events, and the city of Trabzon, known in antiquity as Trebizond, is one of its true jewels. Its past is a kaleidoscope of eras, cultures, and empires that have left their mark on the Black Sea coast.

Foundation and Antiquity. The city was founded by Greek colonists from Sinop around the 8th century BC. Its original name — Trapezus — comes from the Greek word for "table," which is likely related to the shape of the flat-topped hill where the first settlement was built. Thanks to its strategic location on the shores of the Black Sea, the city quickly became an important port and trade hub, serving as the easternmost of the ancient Greek colonies. During the Roman period, Trebizond strengthened its status, becoming a key base for the Roman naval fleet and a vital point on trade routes connecting the East with Europe.

The Byzantine Era and the Empire of Trebizond. After the division of the Roman Empire, the city became part of Byzantium. Its golden age arrived after the Fourth Crusade, when Constantinople fell in 1204. The grandsons of the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos I, Alexios and David Komnenos, established the capital of a new state here — the Empire of Trebizond. This state, which existed for over 250 years, became the final remnant of Byzantium and a major cultural and commercial centre.

Geography and Trade. Its location on the Great Silk Road ensured the city's prosperity. Caravans carrying goods from Persia and Central Asia passed through its port.

Cultural Heritage. Many architectural masterpieces were created during this period, including the famous Hagia Sophia. The city was multinational, home to Greeks, Georgians, Armenians, and Italian merchants. In 1461, the Empire of Trebizond fell to the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, and the city became part of the Ottoman Empire, beginning a new chapter in its history.

Key Milestones in the History of Trabzon

The history of Trabzon, one of the oldest cities on the Black Sea coast, spans nearly three thousand years. During this time, it has been a Greek colony, a vital Roman port, the capital of the last Byzantine empire, and a significant Ottoman city. Below is a brief timeline of its rich past.

• 756 BC — Foundation of the city under the name Trapezus by Greek colonists from Sinop.
• 63 BC — The city becomes part of the Roman Empire, serving as an important port and military base on the Black Sea.
• 258 AD — Trebizond suffers a devastating raid by the Goths, after which it temporarily loses its former significance.
• 6th-7th Centuries — As part of the Byzantine Empire, the city becomes the administrative centre of the province of First Armenia.
• 1204 — Following the fall of Constantinople, the grandsons of Byzantine Emperor Andronikos I Komnenos found the Empire of Trebizond, with the city as its capital.
• 1243 — The Empire of Trebizond becomes a tributary to the Mongol Empire to secure itself against raids.
• 1461 — The city is conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror), marking the fall of the Empire of Trebizond and the city's incorporation into the Ottoman Empire.
• Late 15th Century — Sultan Yavuz Selim, while serving as governor in Trabzon, actively develops the city, building mosques and public buildings.
• 1916–1918 — During World War I, the city was temporarily occupied by Russian troops.
• 1923 — Trabzon officially becomes part of the Republic of Turkey, and under the population exchange agreement, the city's Greek residents are relocated to Greece.

Key Stages of Trabzon's Development

After joining the Ottoman Empire and later the Republic of Turkey, Trabzon continued its development as a vital regional hub. Economic, cultural, and urban transformations have defined its modern appearance.

• Ottoman Period and Trade Significance: After the conquest in 1461, Trabzon remained a key port on the Black Sea, connecting Persia, the Caucasus, and Europe. The city was a crucial stop on the Silk Road, which contributed to its economic prosperity. During this period, many mosques, caravanserais (inns), and baths were built, transforming the city's architectural landscape.
• Port Modernisation in the 20th Century: Although Trabzon's port has an ancient history, its modern development began in the mid-20th century. The foundation of the new port was laid in 1946, and it became operational in 1954. Subsequent upgrades have turned it into one of the largest ports in the eastern Black Sea, with an annual cargo capacity of 10 million tonnes.
• Establishment of Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ): Founded on May 20, 1955, KTÜ became the first university in Turkey established outside of Ankara and Istanbul. This event transformed Trabzon into a major educational and scientific centre for the region, attracting thousands of students and researchers.
• Urban Development and City Growth: In the 20th and 21st centuries, the city expanded significantly. Atatürk Square (Atatürk Alanı), known as Meydan, became the heart of modern city life, featuring hotels, shops, and transport hubs. Urban construction is actively developing, blending historical quarters with new districts.
• Transport Infrastructure Development: Beyond the port, the airport plays a crucial role in the city's development, providing regular connections to major Turkish cities and international destinations. In 2025, plans were announced for a new, larger airport built on reclaimed land to accommodate the growing flow of tourists and cargo.
• Transformation into a Tourism Hub: Thanks to its rich historical heritage, including the Sumela Monastery and the Hagia Sophia, as well as its picturesque nature, Trabzon has become a popular tourist destination. The development of tourism infrastructure and transport accessibility has led to a rise in visitor numbers, particularly from the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The architectural appearance of Trabzon is a multi-layered mosaic reflecting nearly three millennia of its rich history. Each period has left a unique mark on the city, from Byzantine churches to Ottoman mosques and modern structures, creating an eclectic and memorable urban landscape.

The Byzantine Era and the Legacy of the Empire of Trebizond

The foundation of Trabzon's architectural heritage was laid during the Byzantine period and reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries when the city was the capital of the Empire of Trebizond. The dominant style of this time was Late Byzantine architecture. Its most brilliant example is the Hagia Sophia (now the Hagia Sophia Mosque), built in the 13th century. This cross-domed structure combines Byzantine, Georgian, and Seljuk motifs, and its interior was famous for unique frescoes. Other iconic structures from this era include the city walls, which divided the city into three sections, and numerous churches such as St. Anne's Church (6th–7th centuries) and Panagia Chrysokephalos (now the Fatih Mosque).

The Ottoman Period

Following the conquest of the city by Sultan Mehmed II in 1461, a new architectural phase began. Many churches, including the Hagia Sophia, were converted into mosques. Alongside this, new structures were erected in the classic Ottoman style. A prime example is the Gülbahar Hatun Mosque (1514), built in honour of the mother of Sultan Yavuz Selim, noted for its monumentality and distinctive minaret. The city also saw the emergence of caravanserais (hans), public baths (hammams), and covered markets, which formed the new commercial and social centre of the city.

Modern Era and Contemporary Times

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, buildings in European styles began to appear in Trabzon. For instance, the Kostaki Mansion (now the Trabzon Museum), designed by an Italian architect, displays Neo-Baroque features. The Atatürk Pavilion also reflects European influence. During the Republic era, and especially in the second half of the 20th century, urban planning focused on modernisation. The central Atatürk Square (Meydan) became the modern heart of the city. Today's Trabzon presents a blend of carefully preserved historical monuments and modern developments, where ancient stone houses stand alongside multi-storey residential complexes, reflecting the dynamic growth of the city as a key regional centre.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Trabzon

Trabzon, with its rich and centuries-old history, has been the birthplace or a significant stage in the lives of many prominent figures — from emperors and sultans to modern figures in arts and sports. These individuals have left a notable mark on the history of not only the city but the entire region.

• Alexios I Megas Komnenos (c. 1182–1222)
  Role: Founder and first Emperor of the Empire of Trebizond.
  Significance: Grandson of Byzantine Emperor Andronikos I. After the capture of Constantinople by Crusaders in 1204, he and his brother David founded an independent state on the Black Sea coast with Trebizond as its capital. His reign laid the foundation for the Grand Komnenos dynasty, which ruled the empire for over 250 years, transforming the city into a major political and cultural centre.
• Bessarion of Nicaea (c. 1403–1472)
  Role: Philosopher, humanist, Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.
  Significance: A native of Trebizond, Bessarion was one of the greatest intellectuals of his time. He played a key role in the Council of Ferrara-Florence, striving for the unification of the Orthodox and Catholic churches. After moving to Italy, he became a cardinal and made a huge contribution to the Renaissance, amassing one of the largest libraries of Greek manuscripts, which formed the basis of the Marciana Library in Venice.
• Suleiman the Magnificent (1494–1566)
  Role: The tenth Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
  Significance: One of the most powerful rulers in world history, Suleiman was born in Trabzon, where his father, the future Sultan Selim I, served as governor. His reign is considered the "Golden Age" of the Ottoman Empire, marked by massive military conquests and a flourishing of culture, architecture, and legislation.
• Şenol Güneş (born 1952)
  Role: Footballer (goalkeeper) and football manager.
  Significance: Born in Trabzon, he is a legend of the local football club "Trabzonspor," with whom he won six Turkish championships. As a coach, he led the Turkish national team to a historic third place at the 2002 World Cup, which remains the highest achievement in the history of Turkish football.
• Fatih Tekke (born 1977)
  Role: Footballer (striker) and coach.
  Significance: A native of Trabzon, Fatih Tekke is one of the most famous graduates of Trabzonspor and one of the top scorers in its history. Nicknamed "The Sultan," he also successfully played for Zenit St. Petersburg, winning the Russian championship and the UEFA Cup. After retiring as a player, he became a coach.