TRABZON
Trabzon,
the major city of the region, was founded in the 7th century B.C. by Miletian
colonists, and was later at the center of the Comnene Empire established
after the fall of Byzantine Istanbul. The exiled Byzantine court ruled
until 1461 when the Ottomans conquered the area. The jewel of Trabzon's
monuments is the restored 13th-century Byzantine church, used for centuries
as a mosque and now as the Ayasofya Museum. Splendid frescoes, some of
the finest examples of Byzantine painting, cover every one of the interior
church walls. Several other churches were converted to mosques, two becoming
the Fatih Mosque and the Yeni Cuma Mosque. The Ottoman Gülbahar Mosque,
a typical provincial style building, is set in a lovely tea garden. Wooden
houses fill the old quarter nestled in the ancient fortifications, which
still retain the spirit of a medieval town. The house in which Atatürk
stayed has been made into a museum. On
the hills above Trabzon, Boztepe Park offers a beautiful view of the city
and coastline. On the western slopes of Boztepe Hill stands the Irene Tower,
built by Empress Irene of Trabzon in 1340. just east of the city, the village
of Sürmene has an impressive 19th-century mansion known as the Kastel.
AROUND
TRABZON
Near Trabzon,
south of Akcaabat, the lovely highland meadows of Karadag, Hidirnebi and
Erikbeli are ideal for hiking and picnics. The road inland from Trabzon
winds through spectacular mountain landscape before reaching the Zigana
Tunnel, the longest in Turkey. Nearby Hamsiköy is a charming mountain
village, that has gained a national reputation for its excellent cuisine
(including the best rice pudding), and is also conveniently near the Zigana
Ski Center. The beautiful meadows and highland pastures of Gürgenagac
Yaylasi, Kirazli Yaylasi and Solma Yaylasi are ideal sites for outdoor
activities. The traditional Kadirga Festival celebrates the annual summer
migration to the high mountain pastures.
SÜMELA
MONASTERY
Altindere National
Park provides a magnificent setting for the 14th-century Sümela Monastery,
perched high on a cliff face 270 meters above a deep gorge. Surrounded
by the ruins of the monks' quarters, is a church covered inside and out
with brilliant frescoes. Southeast of Trabzon is Lake UzungöI, a lovely
alpine lake surrounded by mountains and meadows, excellent for camping,
hiking and fishing. The restaurants there also make it the best place for
eating river trout.
GÜMÜSHANE
Gümüshane
(88 km east of Trabzon), on the ancient trade route between Trabzon and
ran was once of considerable importance. Many elegant buildings still remain.
Set amid fruit groves and wild roses, the town is a natural stopping point
between Trabzon and Erzurum. Take the opportunity to try the local rosehip
syrup and marmalade.
BAYBURT
Bayburt (77
km from Gümüshane), is situated on the banks of the Coruh River
and lies on what was once known as the Silk Road. Marco Polo and the inveterate
Turkish traveller Evliya Celebi both passed through this city. The remains
of a Byzantine castle, as well as major mosques, Turkish baths and fascinating
carved tombstones are among the significant sites. Two of the most important
monuments in Bayburt are Ulu Mosque (18th-century) and the Clock Tower
in the city center which dates from the republican period. Also worth seeing
are the twin mausoleum of Sehit Osman and his sister which are situated
on the hillsides at the southern entrance to the city. Osman Park on the
(Coruh River has wonderful scenery and is a lovely place to relax.
