Photo: Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 9 places to visit in the Ortahisar district of Trabzon: Atatürk Square (Atatürk Meydanı), Excavation Site (Kazı Alanı) and Hagia Sophia Museum, Trabzon (Ayasofya Müzesi). Plan your trip to Ortahisar with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Ortahisar is a district of Trabzon province, bordered by Yomra to the east, Akçaabat to the west and Maçka to the south. It became a district through Law No. 6360, adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 12 November 2012, which abolished the central district of Trabzon. It is the most populous district of Trabzon and is effectively its centre. According to 2022 data, the district’s population is 335,628.
The rural area of Ortahisar once had 9 towns and 38 villages. Under the adopted law, all of them have been converted to neighbourhood (mahalle) status.
In April 2021, excavations begun by Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality revealed archaeological remains from the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. In the following months, tile, bowl and pottery remains from the Roman period were also found during the excavations. According to statements by Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, the excavation site is planned to be converted into an open-air museum.
Ortahisar became a district in 2012, when the central district of Trabzon was abolished by Law No. 6360. Archaeological remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods were discovered in excavations in 2021.
Ortahisar is a district established in 2012 by Law No. 6360.
Tabakhane Bridge spans the Kuzgun Stream to the east of Ortahisar. On a street where Suleiman the Magnificent is said to have been born and spent his childhood in Ortahisar, a historic Turkish house has been expropriated and turned into a History Museum.
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Built in 1263 during the Empire of Trebizond, this building is one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture on the Black Sea. Its 13th-century interior frescoes depict scenes from the Gospels and are of great value to art history.
View on mapThe city's castle, made up of three sections (Upper Castle, Middle Castle and Lower Castle), was founded in the 2nd century BC and expanded during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. From the Upper Castle, panoramic views of Trabzon city centre and the Black Sea can be enjoyed.
View on mapBuilt in 1903 by Konstantinos Kabayanidis, a Greek banker, this mansion is where Atatürk stayed during his visits to Trabzon in 1924 and 1937. With its European-style architecture and large garden, it is open to visitors as a museum.
View on mapAn Italian Renaissance-style mansion built in 1913, now serving as the Trabzon Museum. Its archaeology and ethnography sections display finds from Trabzon and its surroundings.
View on mapA building in Ortahisar on Cephanelik Street, dating from AH 1305.
View on mapHistoric mosque in Ortahisar, also known as Fatih Mosque.
View on mapThe site in Atatürk Square where archaeological remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods are found. It is planned to be converted into an open-air museum.
View on mapA hill 300 metres high, south of Trabzon city centre, and the city's most popular viewpoint. From the hill, you can see Trabzon harbour, the city centre and the wide panorama of the Black Sea. It is also favoured for its tea gardens and picnic areas.
View on mapThe square in the centre of Ortahisar district, identified as an important historic area where archaeological finds from the Roman and Byzantine periods were discovered.
View on mapWhile you are in Ortahisar, you can also see the highlights of Trabzon province. These places are in other districts.
Prepared closed and boat-shaped, Trabzon pide is the best-known flavour of Black Sea cuisine, in minced meat, cheese and egg varieties. It is baked in a stone oven and served with butter.
Made by stirring cornmeal and Trabzon cheese into melted butter and cooking them together, kuymak is an indispensable dish on Black Sea breakfast tables.
Trabzon's emblematic fish, the hamsi, is prepared in dozens of different ways: fried, steamed, with rice or with bread. It is at its most delicious from November to March.
A local dish made by wrapping kale leaves around rice and minced meat and cooking them. It is served with Trabzon butter.
The Empire of Trebizond, which ruled from 1204 to 1461, left the city Hagia Sophia, Trabzon Castle and many churches. This period's cultural heritage forms the basis of the city's historical identity.
The most characteristic folk dance of the Black Sea, the horon is performed with fast, rhythmic movements to the accompaniment of the kemençe (fiddle). It is an indispensable tradition at Trabzon's weddings, festivals and special occasions.
Ortahisar is Trabzon's central district and its economic heart. Hazelnut trade, port activities and the service sector are its main sources of income. Trabzon Port is the largest port in the Eastern Black Sea. Karadeniz Technical University makes an important contribution to the education sector. Tourism is also growing in economic value.
Trabzon Airport lies within Ortahisar district, with regular flights to Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities. Trabzon Port provides sea transport. The intercity bus terminal connects to major cities. Local travel is by municipal bus and dolmuş.
The highlights of Ortahisar are 9 places: Atatürk Square, Excavation Site, Hagia Sophia Museum (Trabzon), Trabzon Castle, Atatürk Mansion, Boztepe Hill, Trabzon Museum (Kostaki Mansion), Ortahisar Fatih Mosque and Trabzon Cephanelik.
Trabzon Pide, Kuymak (Muhlama), Karadeniz Hamsisi and Trabzon Karalahana Sarması with Trabzon butter are the standout flavours on Ortahisar's tables.
Ortahisar is known for Trabzon Hazelnuts and the Legacy of the Empire of Trebizond. Trabzon is one of Türkiye's most important hazelnut-producing centres. The Tombul hazelnut variety is preferred in world markets for its quality.
Trabzon Airport lies within Ortahisar district, with regular flights to Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities. Trabzon Port provides sea transport. The intercity bus terminal connects to major cities. Local travel is by municipal bus and dolmuş.
Suggested visit length: 3–4 days. Best time to visit: summer months (June–September).