Trabzon Museum – Kostaki Mansion

The Trabzon Museum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is housed in the Kostaki Mansion, one of the most valuable civil architectural works of Trabzon’s Late Ottoman Period. Located on Eski Zeytinlik Street, the mansion reopened to visitors on 30 May 2025 after extensive restoration and exhibition work conducted between 2018–2024.

The Architecture of Kostaki Mansion

Constructed in the early 20th century by Konstantin Theofilaktos, a prominent Greek banker from Trabzon, the Kostaki Mansion reflects the architectural fashions of its era. It is celebrated for its:

· Elegant spatial layout and design

· Rich hand-drawn interior decorations that adorn many rooms

· Impressive staircases and authentic wooden details

The mansion itself is regarded as an architectural masterpiece, harmonizing European influences with Ottoman civil architecture.

First Floor – Life and Memory of Trabzon

The first floor, accessible via a magnificent staircase, presents the story of life in Kostaki Mansion during its active years. Highlights include:

· Documents, photographs, and video displays on Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s three visits to Trabzon

· Exhibits dedicated to prominent figures of Trabzon during the Early Republican Period

· A recreation of the famous 1924 garden photograph of Atatürk, his wife Latife Hanım, and their delegation hosted at Kostaki Mansion

This floor also emphasizes the ethnography of Trabzon, with displays of:

· Coppersmithing

· Pottery

· Jewelry-making

These exhibits aim to revive awareness of Trabzon’s nearly forgotten traditional crafts.

Archaeology Hall – A Journey Through Time

Accessible from the garden, the Archaeology Hall takes visitors on a chronological journey from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era.

· A timeline at the entrance presents the various cultures that shaped Trabzon.

· Artifacts from prehistoric, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods are displayed in thematic rooms.

· Dedicated rooms illustrate ancient Trabzon life, maritime traditions, and trade, supported by animations and visual storytelling.

· A new interactive learning space for children provides engaging educational experiences.

New Discoveries and Exhibits

A major highlight of the renewed museum is the exhibition of newly unearthed artifacts from the Trabzon Castle excavations, carried out by the museum itself. These findings add fresh perspectives to Trabzon’s layered history.

Today, the museum showcases a total of 720 artifacts, serving as both a cultural center and a bridge between Trabzon’s historical heritage and its modern identity.

Cultural Significance

The Trabzon Museum – Kostaki Mansion stands not only as a repository of artifacts but also as a symbol of the city’s memory. By combining archaeology, ethnography, and interactive displays, it preserves the past while educating future generations about Trabzon’s unique heritage.

Visiting this museum allows travelers to experience the soul of Trabzon—from Atatürk’s historic visits to the ancient seafaring traditions of the Black Sea.