Trabzon, located on the Black Sea coast, is one of the important settlements where different cultures have coexisted throughout history. From ancient times to the Ottoman period, the city was not only a center of trade but also a vast network of settlements where various communities established villages. Examining Trabzon's history reveals that the Greek Orthodox population established numerous villages along the coastal areas and inland valleys. These villages played a significant role in the region's economic structure through agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade.

In the vast geographical area stretching from the Black Sea coast to the Zigana Mountains, Greek settlements were generally established along river valleys. Most of these villages developed in areas close to monastery routes, fertile slopes, and water sources. Although many settlements are now known by different Turkish names, the old Greek village names continue to survive in historical sources. These settlements also offer important information for understanding the historical development of the traditional Trabzon village life in the Black Sea region.

Greek Villages in Akçaabat (Polathane) District

Akçaabat, known as Polathane during the Ottoman period , is an important district located west of Trabzon. Due to its proximity to the coast and fertile lands, it has been a densely populated area throughout history. The villages inhabited by the Greek population were mostly established on slopes overlooking the sea or at the beginning of stream valleys. Agriculture, fishing, and small-scale trade were the main sources of livelihood for these villages.

Historical sources mention Greek villages in the Akçaabat district, including Platana , Yoros , Kordyle , Haçkalı , Şinik , Kalanima , Fol , Darıca , Akçakale , Mersin , Söğütlü , Yıldızlı , Kavaklı , and Çukurca . Most of these villages now exist as neighborhoods. For example, Platana is currently one of the important neighborhoods of Akçaabat city center.

Fishing has been an important source of livelihood in the villages along the coast. Inland, however, corn, grape, and especially hazelnut production is widespread. Thanks to the trade activity along the Black Sea coast, these villages have also become settlements where small market areas have developed.

Greek Villages in Maçka District

Maçka district is located in the inland parts of Trabzon and is one of the regions that has historically had a large Greek population. The mountainous topography and wide valleys of the district created a suitable environment for the establishment of many village settlements. A significant portion of the Greek villages developed along the valleys and the roads leading to the monasteries.

Historical records indicate that Greek villages in the Maçka district included Livera , Galyan , Hamsiköy , Larhan , Şimşirli , Esiroğlu , Bahçekaya , Çatak , Ormanüstü , settlements around Zigana , Mataracı , and Yazlık . The Livera region, in particular, is mentioned in historical sources as an important Greek settlement, and many small villages were established around this area.

Galyan Valley is also one of the oldest settlement areas in Maçka. The villages established along the valleys are located in areas close to stream beds, and agricultural activities are quite widespread in these villages. Corn, grapes, and garden products constitute the main production areas of the villages.

The villages around Maçka are not only agricultural production centers. They have also developed as settlements connected to religious and commercial activities due to their location on monastery routes.

Greek Villages in Of and Sürmene Districts

The districts of Of and Sürmene, located in the eastern part of Trabzon, are also among the regions where Greek settlements have existed throughout history. The villages established in these regions generally developed along river valleys and in areas close to the coast.

Among the Greek villages located in the Of district are Kadahor , Keler , Kireçli , Ovacık , Serince , Tavşanlı , Uluağaç , Yemişalan , and settlements around the Solaklı valley. It is known that many of the settlements currently known as Trabzon Of villages were previously known by different Greek names.

Among the Greek villages located in the Sürmene district are settlements such as Çamburnu , Zarha , Kemerli , Balıklı , Yeniay , and Karaca . While fishing activities are common in the coastal villages, agriculture and animal husbandry are prominent in the inland areas.

The villages established in these regions developed around the river valleys and grew as small settlements. Thanks to the Black Sea climate, agricultural production has been quite productive.

Daily Life and Livelihood Sources in Greek Villages of Trabzon

In the Greek villages of Trabzon, daily life was largely based on agriculture. Thanks to the rainy climate of the Black Sea region, corn, grapes, vegetables, and hazelnuts were produced in the villages. Agricultural activities were mostly carried out on a small scale by families.

Livestock farming is also an important part of the village economy. Cattle and sheep breeding was particularly common in inland villages. These activities supported both food production and local trade.

The people of Trabzon have historically lived in a region where different cultures have coexisted. This is reflected in many areas, from the architecture of the villages to their daily life habits.

Sumela, Vazelon and Peristera: Monasteries and Surrounding Villages

The monasteries located in the Trabzon region are not only religious centers; they are also important structures that influence the social and economic life of the surrounding villages.

Sümela Monastery, located in the Maçka district, is one of the best-known historical structures in the Black Sea region. Built on high cliffs, this structure played an important role in the development of the surrounding villages. Many settlements were established along the roads leading to the monastery.

Vazelon Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Trabzon and is located in a forested area. The villages established around this monastery have developed over many years in connection with the religious center.

Peristera Monastery is also one of the important religious structures in the region. The villages surrounding this monastery have developed through both agricultural and commercial activities.

Old and New Names of Greek Villages in Trabzon

Many villages in Trabzon have been known by different names throughout history. The Greek village names used during the Ottoman period were changed to Turkish names with administrative reforms during the Republic era.

For example, Platana is known today as one of the central neighborhoods of Akçaabat. Livera is currently associated with Yazlık and the surrounding settlements. Many villages around the Galyan Valley have, over time, come to be known by different Turkish names.

The change in place names is not unique to Trabzon. Similar changes have been observed in many regions of Türkiye. Nevertheless, the old village names continue to appear in historical documents and academic studies.

Today, thanks to the development of transportation networks in Trabzon, most of these old village settlements have strong connections with the district centers. These settlements offer important information for understanding the cultural history of the Black Sea region and the social structure of the area.