Trabzon - A city of Turkey with icredible nature and history
Thursday, February 21st, 2008Surrounded by some of the most beautiful Black Sea scenery, Trabzon province has grown over the years to cover an area of 4,664 square kms and now has a population of almost one million people. Trabzon is an old city that has weathered the storms of battle, invasion, natural disaster and internal upheaval.
Trabzon straddles the trade corridor that stretches from the depths of Asia to deep into Europe . For centuries some of the world’s greatest travellers have visited Trabzon , from Xenophon to Evliye Celebi, from Fallmerayer to Frunze . In the past, even as today no one who visits Trabzon can fail to be impressed by its history of economic and social development, its importance in the world of arts and cultural growth. Many indeed are those who have written in praise of Trabzon ’s patronage of the arts, its protection of fine works of immense historical value. Many have noted its geographical and trade connections with Asia, the Caucasias, the Far east, the Middle East, Istanbul and Europe . Others have been moved to write about its magnificent backdrop of mountains so richly covered in green in the summer and with glistening snow in the winter. Today Trabzon is just as beautiful, and remains a centre for trade, education, sport, tourism and culture.
The years have awarded Trabzon with medallions of progress-historic libraries, the fourth university to be established in Turkey , some of the first health and medical foundations, ever-expanding port facilities, a marina, a busy airport, a World Trade Centre, museums and foundations in support of the Arts.
The province of Trabzon is filled with ruins and historical artifacts that range from castles to monasteries. Charming mountain villages delight the eye, rugged mountain passes remind the passing traveller of the huge power of nature. Of all the natural and other wonders of the province, perhaps the world famous Sumela monastery best typifies what Trabzo9n has to offer.
The cultural mosaic that is Trabzon , includes in its diversity artists, musicians, painters, researchers into the arts and philosophies, academics and poets. Trabzon in fact, fathers more artists and painters than anywhere else in Turkey.
After the arrival of printing in Turkey , Trabzon was the first to set-up a press.
With a history of civilisation and culture going back thousands of years, Trabzon province has over a thousand sites that record Trabzon ’s cultural fullness. So much so that Trabzon has been described as a sort of open-air museum, a richly endowed inheritance from which all can benefit wonderfully. This together with the natural endowments with which Trabzon has been abundantly blessed, has contributed much to the increasing tourism in the region. An increasing number of touristic sites and developments is turning the area into one of Turkey ’s fastest growing tourist regions.
Any review of Trabzon and its surrounding areas would be incomplete if it did not mention its own Trabzonspor football team. Both at home and abroad, Trabzonspor has enjoyed many successes and has done much to introduce Turkey and the Black Sea to the world.
Just at the entrance of the village, a church and a Catholic cemetery welcomes you inside… About a 100 meters ahead you arive to the village’s small square full of roses and flowers where you may find small souvenir shops of honey and tradional Polonezkoy items made by the Polonezkoy folks. You may also find horses ready to be hired… After a small walk you realise that the village is formed inside a forest of pine, oak, hornbeam, fir, and chestnut trees. Thus your eyes get refreshed and relaxed with each tone of green…