History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Ortamahalle is one of the best preserved urban sites of Ottoman civil architecture in the Black Sea region. Mansions with stone foundations, wooden frames and whitewashed bay windows built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; They are placed gradually on steep slopes so as not to block each other's views of the sea. It almost resembles an open-air museum with its narrow cobblestone streets, historical stone fountains and centuries-old fig trees. Rumor has it that the master stone and wood craftsmen of Ortamahalle developed special bonding techniques from chestnut wood to withstand the harsh storms and humidity of the Black Sea, thus the mansions have defied earthquakes and centuries. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is established on the steep slope right behind Akçaabat district center, at an altitude of approximately 80-140 meters above sea level. It has a panoramic view overlooking the deep blue shores of the Black Sea and Akçaabat Port. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical district, streets and viewing points is completely free. In some mansion cafes, consumption is charged.•Visiting Hours and Days:The streets are open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Konak museums and boutique cafes are open between 09:00 - 22:00.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The streets are paved with authentic stone and have very steep slopes; It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. Using a stroller requires physical effort.•Facilities and Facilities:Boutique hotels, authentic cafes, local breakfast rooms, viewing benches and historical street lighting are available. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Ortamahalle District, Tarihi Evler Mevkii, Akçaabat / Trabzon.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: It is 1.5 km away from Akçaabat coast. The roads are cobblestone, you can reach the neighborhood by passenger vehicles, but parking is limited in the narrow streets.•Real Public Transportation Information: You can take the Akçaabat minibuses departing from Trabzon Square to the Akçaabat beach and from there you can take the Ortamahalle minibuses or take a 15-minute climbing walk.•Parking Availability:There are open parking areas belonging to the municipality at the entrance of the neighborhood and at the hill square. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots and Frames:St. The angles framing the white bay windowed mansions extending down from the observation terrace next to St. Michael's Church and the Black Sea in the background are fascinating.•Light and Shooting Hours:During the afternoon sun and sunset hours, the white facades of the mansions turn golden yellow.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:You should eat the famous Akçaabat meatballs in the courtyards of historical mansions, accompanied by blarney, fresh buttermilk, and tel kadayif or kuymak for dessert.