Ortamahalle Museum

Trabzon's Akçaabat district is home to the Ortamahalle Museum, located in the Ortamahalle region, renowned for its historic fabric. Originally known as St. Michael Church, the structure dates back approximately 700 to 800 years and is among the most significant historic buildings in the area. Situated at the highest point of the area declared a protected urban conservation zone in 1988, it is one of the rare structures to have survived to the present day.

^{Ortamahalle Müzesi} (Akçaabat Belediyesi)

The church is believed to have been constructed toward the end of the Byzantine period, in the 12th or 13th century. Some sources and statements by the mayor trace its origins as far back as the 11th century. Originally named Archangel, the building is also known locally as Hagios Michael or Başmelek Kilisesi. Historical records indicate that the traveler W.J. Hamilton, who visited the region in 1836, noted that the structure was already 800 years old and built in Byzantine style at that time. The building underwent major repairs in May 1846.

The museum building is a single-apse structure oriented east-west, reflecting the original style of the Byzantine period. Its notable features include:

• Exterior Facade: Constructed from cut stone, with door and window frames adorned with rope-patterned moldings.
• Dome: The white stone dome base features a distinctive design reminiscent of Caucasian architectural styles.
• Floor Mosaics: The most valuable treasure within the building consists of floor mosaics made from black, white, and red natural stones. Archaeologists have dated these mosaics to the 11th or 12th century.

^{Ortamahalle Müzenin Tavanı} (Akçaabat Belediyesi)

In previous decades, the building’s surroundings were cluttered with illegal constructions. A comprehensive project led by Akçaabat Municipality removed these structures and fully exposed the historic building. After approximately two years of restoration work costing 1.5 million Turkish liras, the structure was restored authentically. As part of a joint project with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the building was officially opened to the public in May 2023 as the Ortamahalle Museum.

^{Ortamahalle Müzesi} (Akçaabat Belediyesi)

The museum houses a rich collection of both archaeological and ethnographic artifacts. Visitors can explore the following exhibits:

• Artifacts reflecting the history and culture of Akçaabat.
• Mosaics, figures, and objects from the period when the building served as a church.
• Informative panels detailing the historical development of the town and the building.

The Ortamahalle Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. In its first year of operation, it was visited by 9,103 local and international tourists from around the world. The museum’s courtyard is also used as a suitable venue for social, cultural, and artistic events.