Trabzon street culture and historical architecture discussed in seminar

The historical street culture and architectural fabric of Trabzon were the focus of a recent seminar titled ‘Trabzon Sokakları: Kayıp Sokaklar ve Yaşayanları’ (Trabzon Streets: Lost Streets and Their Inhabitants). Organized by the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality at the Hamamizade İhsan Bey Cultural Center, the event featured Prof. Dr. Sonay Çevik, a faculty member at Karadeniz Technical University, who authored the book of the same name.

During the discussion, moderated by Prof. Dr. Nilhan Vural, Çevik detailed her research process, which evolved from a master's thesis into a doctoral study. She emphasized that in Trabzon, streets function as more than mere transit routes; they serve as extensions of the home and vital spaces for social interaction and neighborly relations.

Çevik’s research categorizes streets into continuous and dead-end types, further subdivided into straight, curved, and stair-like structures. Notably, she identified unique ‘L-type’ streets specific to the region. She also stressed the importance of preserving the ‘spirit of place’ during urban transformation and design processes to ensure that the social and physical essence of these neighborhoods is maintained.