Trabzon (Turkey)

Trabzon is a Black Sea port city in northeastern Turkey, with population around 320,000. Trabzon is on the historical Silk Road (connecting China with Europe) and was trade gateway to Persia (southeast) and Caucasus (northeast).

In 2024 was inaugurated the Trabzon-Sochi ferry route linking Turkey with Russia. The ship deployed on the new maritime route has capacity ~300 passengers (max) and 200 vehicles.

During the medieval period, merchants from Genoa and Venice often visited Trebizond to sell linen, silk and woolen fabrics. Republic of Genoa (1005-1815) had a major merchant port colony within the city (named "Leonkastron") which had shipping trade importance similar to Galata to Constantinople (Istanbul). The city was also the capital of Trapezuntine Empire (1204-1461) - one of the successors of Byzantine Empire (395-1453).

In early-20th century, port Trabzon was ranked the most important Turkish port on Black Sea. In 1911, Republic of Turkey started developing a new harbor at the seaport. During WW1 (1914-1918) the Russian Empire (1721-1917) occupied Trabzon. Then was constructed a breakwater and an extended pier. City's economy was based on production of silver filagree, linen cloth, silk, wool, cotton, hazelnuts, tobacco.