Sürmene, district and town in Trabzon Province, Turkey
Sürmene is a small town in Trabzon Province situated on the Black Sea coast, known for its historic character and traditional crafts. Old stone and brick houses with wooden details line the narrow streets, while workshops and shipyards show the working life that has defined the place for centuries.
Sürmene was established centuries ago as a settlement linked to Byzantine and later Ottoman rule, leaving behind stone structures and towers that mark its extended past. The town developed its reputation for craftsmanship and maritime trade during these periods, shaping its identity through generations.
Sürmene has deep roots in knife-making and boat construction, crafts that define community identity and daily work. Walking through the town, you encounter workshops where these skills remain alive, passed through families and visible in the pride people take in their traditional professions.
Reaching Sürmene by car or bus from Trabzon is straightforward, with well-maintained roads and views of the coastline and mountains along the way. The town center is compact and walkable, though the terrain slopes toward the sea, so comfortable shoes are helpful for exploring the narrow streets.
Sürmene has preserved a remarkable tradition of hand-forged knife-making, where blacksmiths continue to shape and sharpen blades using methods passed down through families for generations. Few towns maintain this level of craft knowledge in daily practice, making it a living connection to historical techniques.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
