Home Tourism Uzunsokak: A Historical and Modern Hub in Trabzon

Uzunsokak: A Historical and Modern Hub in Trabzon

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Uzunsokak - Trabzon

Uzunsokak, one of the historical streets of Trabzon, is an important attraction located in the heart of the city. The street is indispensable for both locals and visitors of Trabzon. It has an atmosphere where traditional and modern elements are blended. Due to the numerous restaurants, pastry shops, stores, and businesses on it, it is a probable transit route.

The narrow and crowded nature of historical streets like Uzunsokak and Kunduracılar Caddesi often causes the shop windows and signs to overshadow these buildings. You might pass by these buildings multiple times without noticing them unless you look up. However, if you are a local, it is possible to encounter many familiar faces on this route.

Uzunsokak - Trabzon, Meydan Entrance

Uzunsokak is one of the busiest and most popular places in Trabzon. Located in the city center, it is a shopping and entertainment street approximately 700 meters long. The street also features historical buildings from the Ottoman period, shopping stores, restaurants, and cafes. It starts from the entrance of Meydan Park and runs parallel to Kahramanmaraş Street.

Trabzon, 2009 National Sovereignty and Children's Day

Uzunsokak also offers modern shopping and entertainment options. It is possible to find products such as clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and electronics in Uzunsokak stores. You can taste the delicious dishes of the Black Sea cuisine in the street’s restaurants. In the cafes, you can enjoy a pleasant conversation over coffee or tea. Additionally, the street holds more meaning when you have someone to walk with.

Spanning about 700 meters from end to end, the street gathers a significant amount of foot traffic most days of the week. It is also referred to as the Istiklal of Trabzon. In 2008, it was closed to vehicle traffic, and the pavement was renovated by the Trabzon Municipality. The street can be visited at any time, with each season offering its own charm.

CLOSURE TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC

Traffic Conversion (Closure to Traffic)

Until 2008, Uzunsokak was open to vehicle traffic. After the renovation in 2008, Uzunsokak was closed to vehicle traffic. Following the closure, the sidewalk and road were combined, creating a relatively wider and more relaxed area. The ground was also renovated, and it was opened exclusively for pedestrian use.

What to Do in Uzunsokak?

  • Mingle with the crowd and take a tour.
  • Visit an exhibition at the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
  • Shop at the stores.
  • Taste the delicious dishes of the Black Sea cuisine.
  • Enjoy a drink and chat at the cafes.

UZUNSOKAK HISTORY

Uzunsokak Trabzon 2009 Spring

Trabzon is one of the important historical cities located in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region. The city has many historical artifacts from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Being a port city, it has always been open to innovations.

When considering the three main unchanging elements of history—place, time, and people—the impact of geography becomes apparent. Along with these three main elements, the impact of geography on people and civilizations becomes more noticeable. This process gains strategic importance with the changes that time and people bring to that geography. Therefore, in determining the strategic importance of a region, transportation and commercial activities, alongside geographical location, form meaning to the extent of these dynamics and require examination accordingly.

The most detailed descriptions of the street, which distinctly match its current concept, are found in works from the first half of the 15th century. Historically, Uzunsokak is identified by name in important works by Ruy González de Clavijo, Yoanni Eugenik, and Vasilei Bessarion in the 15th century. Some authors evaluate Uzunsokak as “a part that forms the personality of Trabzon.”

Uzunsokak Trabzon

Today, the street is closed to traffic and offers visitors the opportunity to explore local history and culture. However, it lost some of its former importance with the opening of Forum Trabzon Shopping Mall in 2008. Many brands and stores have found a place in this shopping complex. Despite this, the street remains one of the most frequented places by tourists and locals. Uzunsokak is surrounded by Tanjant Road at the top and Kahramanmaraş Street at the bottom. Today, Uzunsokak still maintains its popularity and is filled with stores lined up for shopping and dining.

TRABZON’S FIRST MATERNITY HOSPITAL IN UZUNSOKAK

When the maternity hospital is mentioned, the people of Trabzon recall the place in Yenicuma, which was demolished in 2014 and now has an SGK building. The mentioned maternity hospital is the stone building currently standing next to the No. 1 Health Center in Uzunsokak.

During the time of Trabzon Governor Sezai Uzay, this building served as the governor’s office and the Halkevi cinema. After the 1940s, the building was used as a maternity hospital for a long time but does not receive the care it deserves today. The floors have extremely colorful and beautiful tiles similar to those at the Atatürk Mansion.

Below, you can see the photo of Uzunsokak shared from our Instagram @trabzon account. By following our Instagram account @trabzon, you can stay updated with our posts and support us.

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