A celebration was held at a Trabzon restaurant, where TÜRKPATENT President Professor Muhammed Zeki Durak presented the certificate to Trabzon Governor Aziz Yıldırım. Durak highlighted that Türkiye now ranks second globally in geographic indications, trailing only China, and leads Europe in the number of EU-certified products. The Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TTSO), which applied for the certification, sees it as a significant milestone in promoting the region’s culinary identity.

Durak emphasized Trabzon’s rich culinary contributions, such as Trabzon telkari (filigree jewelry), Vakfıkebir bread, and Akçaabat köfte, which all showcase Türkiye’s diverse flavors. He also shared that an application for EU certification for Tonya Butter is currently in progress, part of a broader strategy to promote Türkiye’s certified products across Europe.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) official Professor Habip Asan, present at the ceremony, stressed the economic value of geographic indications. Certification helps drive tourism and local pride by highlighting each region’s unique products, increasing demand and recognition beyond national borders.

The culinary art of Trabzon Kuymak

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a tasting of Trabzon Kuymak, prepared on-site by local chefs. Known for its savory, stretchy texture, Kuymak (also called muhlama) is a simple yet beloved dish. The main ingredients are cornmeal, a substantial amount of butter, and Trabzon’s kolot cheese, a local variety prized for its high melting point. The cooking process involves melting butter, blending in cornmeal, and gradually adding water, followed by kolot cheese, which melts into a smooth, stretchy consistency.

Originally from Trabzon and neighbouring Black Sea provinces, Kuymak has traditionally been served as a hearty breakfast dish. However, its comforting flavors have made it popular as an anytime comfort food. Its distinct buttery taste and rustic texture make it a regional staple that has long been a part of local culinary traditions.

The dish is commonly enjoyed with bread, which diners use to scoop up the melted cheese and cornmeal mixture. Locals and chefs alike attribute Kuymak’s popularity to its simplicity and focus on quality local ingredients. It exemplifies traditional cooking methods that have endured through generations.

Expanding global recognition for Türkiye’s culinary heritage

With Trabzon Kuymak’s newly acquired geographic indication status, efforts to increase its visibility abroad are expected to grow. Asan highlighted that future initiatives aim to boost recognition of Türkiye’s certified products in Europe and beyond. This global promotion of traditional foods like Kuymak not only preserves culinary heritage but also contributes to regional economies by drawing attention to local specialties.

This latest certification for Trabzon Kuymak reflects a larger trend in Türkiye’s dedication to protecting and celebrating its rich culinary diversity, adding another emblem of national pride to the country’s gastronomic landscape.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In this video, they visit the stunning Sümela Monastery the historic Hagia Sophia church, and local museums, before heading into the mountains to discover Uzungöl, a picturesque village whose name fittingly translates to “Long Lake.” Nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains with a serene lake at its center, Uzungöl has become a popular destination for tourists seeking its natural beauty and tranquil charm.

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Immortalised in Rose Macaulay’s classic novel The Towers of Trebizond, the sprawling town of Trabzon is the largest port along Eastern Türkiye’s Black Sea coast.

The earliest known settlement was founded in the 7th century BC by colonists from Miletos, the greatest of the ancient Greek Ionian cities. It grew in prosperity through trade with Persia (Iran), with camel caravans travelling along the Anatolian Silk Road, laden with silk and spices. Trabzon was an important stop on the Silk Road and it remains the Black Sea’s busiest port. 

Trabzon, the capital city of the Trabzon province, is dotted with reminders of its rich past, including castles, historical churches and monasteries, museums, a fine art gallery, mosques, inns and baths, fountains and bridges, and more. There are far too many to include in one article so we’ve chosen a few.

Atatürk Pavilion (Atatürk Köşkü)

The pavilion, designed in the Black Sea architectural style, was constructed by banker Konstantin Kabayanidis as a summer residence in the early 19th century.

Located amidst dense forests on the Soğuksu ridge, about 4 kilometers from the city, this charming white stucco pavilion is now surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and serves as a museum dedicated to Atatürk memorabilia.

The family gave the pavilion to Atatürk when he visited the city in 1924, although he only actually visited Trabzon and stayed there on three brief occasions, the last being in 1937.

Trabzon Castle (Trabzon Kalesi)

Although called Trabzon Castle, the walls did not function as a castle but as a defensive fortification surrounding the old town.

Most of the ramparts are still standing today with the oldest ones dating back to the Roman Period, 4th century BC. 

The walls can be easily seen whilst walking around Trabzon or from the bridge – there’s no special effort needed. 

The Arsenal

The Arsenal is the most striking structure in Trabzon. According to the Yıldız Palace records, it was constructed in 1305, a date confirmed by the inscription and the signature of Sultan Abdülhamit II over the door.

The Arsenal includes two circular structures, one inside of the other. The inside one is four-storied whereas the outer is three-storied. Both structures include 3 windows with oval arches. A high protective wall surrounds the Arsenal. During the Russian occupation between 1916 and 1918, the Arsenal served as an ammunition dump, and its roof was demolished by an explosion on July 9, 1919.

Sümela Monastery

The stunning mountain Sümela Monastery lies 48km inland from Trabzon but is well worth the trip.

The monastery’s unforgettable setting, clinging to the sheer rock face above the heavily wooded slopes and mountain mists, makes it look more Tibetan than Turkish.

Sümela Monastery is undoubtedly the region’s biggest tourist attraction. Both the interior and the exterior of the monastery are covered with beautiful frescoes – depicting everything from the Virgin Mary to the Last Judgement. The earliest examples date back to the ninth century, but most are from the 19th century.

Uzungöl

Located south of Trabzon city, Uzungöl is one of the most popular places to enjoy the beauty of nature. The village of Uzungöl, which suitably translates to “Long Lake”, is surrounded by mountains with a long lake in the middle. Over the years, the picturesque lake, its village and the surrounding valley have become popular tourist attractions.

Shopping

There are a number of places to shop in Trabzon. The most famous amongst them is the Russian Bazaar also called Avrupalı Pazarı in Turkish meaning the “European Market”. 

Here you can mingle with the locals as you wander around the alleyways and browse or shop for everything from clothing to souvenirs, jewellery, footwear and even electronic goods.

Afterwards, take a break at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants and sample some of the local cuisine.

Local cuisine

The Black Sea region is synonymous with hamsi (anchovy) fishing so it is no surprise that locals make hamsi a main ingredient in dishes like soup, meze or even dessert.

In the morning or for dinner, the smell of these black and silver fish dipped in corn flour and fried in hot oil makes its way into every room of the house while, on the street, it is served on a loaf of bread with salad, as a sandwich.

Hamsi Buğulaması (Steamed Anchovies) 

 The cleaned and washed hamsi are placed in a shallow pan and topped with sliced onions, tomatoes and sliced lemon.

Water and oil are added, the pan is covered to stop the steam from escaping and the dish is cooked for 10 minutes or so. Parsley can be used to garnish.

Trabzon Pidesi

Pide with butter, egg, cheese, ground meat or sucuk are the pides well-known today as “Trabzon pidesi.”

Yağlı pide is generously topped with butter before baking. Yumurtalı (egg) pide is the same with the addition of an egg, which is generally broken onto the dough and spread without much mixing. Peynirli pide is topped with a local cheese called “kolof cheese,” which resembles young kaşar or mozzarella.

Akçaabat Köftesi 

Akçaabat Köftesi (meatballs) is a grilled dish of minced meat, a type of köfte, found traditionally in Akçaabat in Trabzon. These small meatballs are both healthy and delicious, made with spices, cooked on the grill and served hot.

We’ll leave you with this short video of Trabzon from Go Türkiye …

Sources: Explore Trabzon/culturetrip.com/Turkish Cuisine Portal

Featured photograph of Trabzon town courtesy of Ulutour Travel

This article was first published on 8 March 2022 and updated on 27 August 2024.

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Just 28 kilometers from the city center, Maçka is famous for its highlands and unique houses. It also home to a number of ancient churches and monasteries, including the famous Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Virgin Mary, better known as Sümela Monastery.

During the summer, Maçka’s highlands welcome tourists from Türkiye and all over the world.

Most tourists stay in authentic Black Sea houses and enjoy a bite in the restaurants located near the rivers. Nature also encourages many tourists to pick up their bags and go for a stroll.

Sümela Monastery

Sümela Monastery is undoubtedly the region’s biggest tourist attraction. Both the interior and the exterior of the monastery are covered with beautiful frescoes – depicting everything from the Virgin Mary to the Last Judgement. The earliest examples date back to the ninth century, but most are from the 19th century.

There are no exact records on who built it and when, but its history dates back more than a 1,000 years. It is believed that the locals who constructed it did so to escape enemy attacks. Located high up in the cliffs above the surrounding forest, this incredible feat of architecture has changed hands many times over the course of its existence, until it was finally abandoned in 1923 during the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye.

The monastery was closed for restoration in 2015 and reopened on May 18, 2019. So if you are looking for an excuse to hop in your car or a plane to visit the Black Sea region this, Maçka should top your list of destinations.

Trabzon is also a wonderful place to visit during the winter months.

Sources: Daily Sabah/Travellers Archive

This article was first published on 21 June 2018 and updated on 5 December 2023.

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