the contemporary city

Trabzon, also called Trebizond, historically Trapezus, city, capital of Trabzon il (province), northeastern Turkey. It lies on a wide bay on the southeastern shore of the Black Sea backed by high ranges of the Pontic Mountains, which separate it from the central Anatolian Plateau. Area province, 1,907 square miles (4,938 square km). Pop. (2000) city, 214,949; province, 975,137; (2013 est.) city, 243,735; province, 757,898.

Once an important stop on the Silk Route, Trabzon remains the Turkish Black Sea's busiest port and second biggest city. The city centre is enclosed on the east and west by walls that date from Byzantine times. Historical monuments include most of the city walls, a part of the palace of the Grand Comneni, and several Byzantine churches preserved as mosques. Among the churches the best preserved and most remarkable is the church Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia).

It's an increasingly sophisticated place with a fascinating market area and plenty to explore in Ortahisar district, the former citadel that's still partly enclosed by city walls. Tourist life is focussed on ever-buzzing Atatürk Alanı, Trabzon's main square, simply known to all as the meydan (square). Many agencies here offer tours to the region's popular rural sights, particularly Sumela, Uzungöl and Ayder.