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6 places to visit in the Sürmene district of Trabzon: İssiporto Harbour (İssiporto Limanı), Halanik and Sürmene Kastel Castle (Sürmene Kastel Kalesi). Plan your trip to Sürmene with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Sürmene is a district of Trabzon province. It is bordered by Of to the east, Araklı to the west, and Köprübaşı and Gümüşhane to the south.

Ancient Period

From the 8th century BC, Milesian colonists first settled at Sinop and later at Trabzon, and began trading with the native people known as the Colchians. It is likely that a marketplace was established at the place known as Sürmene, where colonists and the local population traded.

Byzantine and Ottoman Periods

From the 2nd century onwards, the native people of the Trabzon region began to convert to Christianity, and after Constantine I made Christianity the official religion of the empire, a bishopric was established in Trabzon. During the Byzantine period and the subsequent Empire of Trebizond, the settlement, known as Sourmania, was the centre of the military and administrative region of the Sürmene Bandon. Due to its harbour and its position on a caravan route, Sürmene was an important location. In 1458 it was re-established as an important marketplace at Halanik. In 1461, the Ottoman army under Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha descended to the coast from above Karadere Valley, captured the castle, and Sürmene came under Ottoman rule.

Population in the Ottoman Period

In the 1554 records, the number of villages in the Sürmene subdistrict remained at 23, while the number of mezras (hamlets) rose to 18. According to the 1583 tahrir (survey), the Sürmene subdistrict consisted of 54 villages and 22 mezras, with an estimated population of 16,817 at that time.

History and Culture

The Ottoman army captured Sürmene castle in 1461. The name Sürmene evolved from Sourmania, a name in use from the 3rd century AD.

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Places to Visit in Sürmene

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Ancient City

İssiporto Harbour (İssiporto Limanı)

Described by the Roman governor Arrian in AD 131–132, the harbour is known today as Araklı Harbour and points to its historical importance.

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Attraction

Halanik

Known today as Zeytinli Neighbourhood of Sürmene. It was re-established as an important marketplace in 1458.

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Historic

Sürmene Kastel Castle (Sürmene Kastel Kalesi)

The castle, on a rocky outcrop by the sea, is from the Byzantine period and was expanded in the 14th century during the Empire of Trebizond. Its walls and towers are partly standing, and the sea views are impressive.

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Historic

Memişağa Mansion (Memişağa Konağı)

Built in the 19th century, this mansion is one of the finest examples of Black Sea civil architecture. Notable for its woodwork and façade decoration, it was opened to visitors after restoration.

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Nature

Sürmene Plateaus (Sürmene Yaylaları)

The high plateaus to the south of the district are preferred for camping and hiking, thanks to their cool summer climate and natural beauty. Each summer, local people hold traditional plateau festivals to keep their cultural heritage alive.

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Religious

II. Abdülhamid Mosque (II. Abdülhamid Camii)

Mosque in the Gültepe neighbourhood of Sürmene.

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Places to Visit Around Trabzon Province

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While you are in Sürmene, you can also see the highlights of Trabzon province. These places are in other districts; Sürmene is about 45 km from the provincial centre.

  • Sumela Monastery — A Greek Orthodox monastery in Maçka, within Altındere Valley National Park, at an altitude of 1,150 metres above Mount Kara; the first church was built in AD 365–395, and in 2010 the first service in 88 years was held on 15 August.
  • Uzungöl — A landslide-dammed lake in Çaykara, formed by rocks that blocked the Haldizen Stream; it is 1,000 metres long and 500 metres wide, and 15 metres deep at its deepest point.
  • Hagia Sophia — Located in the Fatih neighbourhood and regarded as the best-preserved surviving monument of the Empire of Trebizond, the building combines Byzantine provincial style, a Georgian onion dome and Seljuk stonework; today it is a mosque.
  • Atatürk Pavilion — A four-storey pavilion (including its basement) with Western Renaissance influences, set in a pine grove at Soğuksu; it was built between 1890 and 1912 as a summer residence by the Greek-born banker Konstantin Kabayanidis.
  • Trabzon Museum (Kostaki Mansion) — A mansion with Italian architectural influences on Zeytinlik Street, built between 1898 and 1913 by the banker Kostaki Teofilaktos; today it serves as a museum.
  • Lake Sera — A landslide-dammed lake in the Derecik Valley in Akçaabat, formed on 21 February 1950 when rock broken away by excessive rainfall blocked the valley floor.

Practical Information for Visiting Sürmene

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June–September)
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Sürmene

Food guide →

  • Sürmene Pide

    Sürmene Pide was registered as a protected geographical indication on 29 September 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 553). Product group: bakery and confectionery products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Sürmene Tradesmen and Craftsmen's Chamber.

  • Kuymak (Muhlama)

    Made by stirring cornmeal and Trabzon cheese into melted butter and cooking them together, kuymak is an indispensable dish on Sürmene's breakfast tables.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Sürmene

  • Sürmene Knife-Making Tradition

    Knife-making, practised since the Ottoman period, is Sürmene's most important cultural asset. Passed down through the master-apprentice relationship, this craft is an inseparable part of the district's identity.

Local Products

  • Sürmene Knife (Sürmene Bıçağı) — Sürmene Knife was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 February 2018 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 329). Product group: handicrafts other than carpets, kilims and woven fabrics. Registered by: Sürmene Municipality.
  • Hazelnuts (Fındık) — Hazelnuts grown on Sürmene's slopes are the district's basic agricultural product.

Economy

Sürmene's economy rests on hazelnut production, knife manufacturing and fishing. The Sürmene Knife brand has given the district national and international recognition. Tea cultivation is also an important source of income.

How to Get to Sürmene

Sürmene is 45 km from Trabzon city centre and lies on the Trabzon–Rize highway. It is 55 km from Trabzon Airport.

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Sürmene: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Sürmene?

The highlights of Sürmene are 6 places: İssiporto Harbour, Halanik, Sürmene Kastel Castle, Memişağa Mansion, Sürmene Plateaus and II. Abdülhamid Mosque.

What should I eat in Sürmene?

Sürmene Pide and Kuymak are the standout flavours on Sürmene's tables.

What is Sürmene famous for?

Sürmene is known for the Sürmene Knife and the Sürmene Knife-Making Tradition. It is also a protected geographical indication product registered with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Sürmene?

Sürmene is 45 km from Trabzon city centre and lies on the Trabzon–Rize highway. It is 55 km from Trabzon Airport.

How much time should I allow for Sürmene?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June–September).

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