life in Trabzon

About Trabzon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transportation in Trabzon

Regular public buses and minibuses operate between the campus and the city center. The 9-seat minibuses depart for the campus as soon as they are full, typically within 5 minutes during rush hours, and no more than 10 minutes during off-peak times. Similarly, transportation to and from other locations, including the main campus and the city center, is also easily accessible.

Living in Trabzon

Living in Trabzon, Türkiye, as a young adult offers numerous appealing advantages:

 

Natural Beauty: Situated along the Black Sea coast and surrounded by lush mountains and forests, Trabzon boasts breathtaking landscapes. Notable spots like the famous Uzungöl Lake and the verdant countryside offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and nature exploration.

 

Rich Culture and History: Trabzon holds significant historical and cultural value, with landmarks like the Sumela Monastery and Hagia Sophia of Trabzon. Young adults can immerse themselves in local traditions, festivals, and the rich heritage of Türkiye, enhancing their cultural understanding.

 

Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to larger cities like Istanbul or Ankara, Trabzon offers a more affordable lifestyle. The costs for housing, food, and transportation are generally lower, making it easier for young adults to manage their expenses.

 

Community and Lifestyle: Trabzon is known for its strong sense of community, where people are friendly and welcoming. This supportive atmosphere helps foster friendships and social connections for young adults.

 

Education and Career Opportunities: Home to several universities, including Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon attracts students from across the country, creating opportunities for networking and personal growth. Additionally, the growing tourism and agriculture sectors offer potential career opportunities.

 

Cuisine: Trabzon?s diverse and delicious local cuisine features specialties like Akçaabat meatballs, hamsi (anchovy), and other regional dishes. Young adults can indulge in unique culinary experiences and enjoy socializing over meals.

 

Vibrant Nightlife: While Trabzon may not have the same bustling nightlife as larger cities, there are still plenty of cafes, bars, and cultural events to enjoy. The local scene is lively, especially on weekends and during festivals.

 

Proximity to Other Destinations: Trabzon?s central location offers easy access to other stunning destinations in the Black Sea region, such as Rize and Artvin, as well as historical sites and natural wonders.

Public Holidays and Important Dates

January 1 New Year?s Day

 

Ramazan Bayramı (Eid)*

 

April 23 National Sovereignty and Children?s Day

 

May 1 Labour and Solidarity Day

 

May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day

 

Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice)*

 

July 15 Democracy and National Solidarity Day

 

August 30 Victory Day

 

October 29 Republic Day (1.5 days, starting from October 28 after 13.00)

 

*religious dates/holidays are arranged according to the lunar calendar so they differ each year. Make sure to check the exact dates for the year before making any plans.

Living Costs

Türkiye is generally more affordable than most Western countries and is ranked as the cheapest OECD country. Most Turkish students live on around 200-300? per month, including dormitory costs. For foreign students, the Erasmus+ grant should be sufficient not only for living expenses but also to explore and enjoy life in Trabzon.

 

Trabzon is a lively city with bustling streets, even at night. The city?s shopping is centered in pedestrian areas of the city center, where shops are open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Department stores, groceries, and supermarkets stay open until 10:00 PM, and some restaurants and cafes remain open until midnight. While Sunday is a holiday, many shops still remain open.

 

Automatic transaction machines (ATMs) are widely available both in the city center and on campus. They are easy to use, with most offering a language option that allows users to read the instructions in English.

Online Delivery Apps

Below are some useful food and grocery delivery apps. While they originally focused on specific product categories, most online shopping platforms now offer food and grocery delivery services as well.

  • Getir: Food & grocery delivery.
  • Yemek Sepeti: Food & grocery delivery.
  • Trendyol: Primarily for online shopping in fashion, cosmetics, etc., but also offers food & grocery delivery.
  • Hepsiburada: Grocery, electronics, outdoor/garden/DIY products, and cosmetics.
  • Amazon.tr: Grocery, electronics, outdoor/garden/DIY products, and cosmetics.
  • Çiçek Sepeti: Delivers flowers and chocolates for special occasions, along with a variety of other products.