Ambassador Viktor Mátis - May 2026 Trabzon Visit
In order to strengthen the friendly relations between Hungary and Türkiye, a series of meaningful events were organized in Trabzon by the Embassy of Hungary.
Within this framework, Ambassador Viktor Mátis, Honorary Consul of Trabzon Umut Durbakayım and the accompanying delegation paid official visits to the Governorship of Trabzon and the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, where they discussed and evaluated cooperation and friendship relations between the two countries.
As part of the visit program, a wreath was laid at the Turkish–Hungarian Friendship Monument in Ganita, and emphasis was placed on friendship at this meaningful site, which symbolizes the shared historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
As part of the events, the unveiling ceremony of the bust of Hungarian commander Miklós Zrínyi was held at the Kanuni House, and at the same time, the exhibition titled “Friendship Hidden in Details” was opened to visitors and presented to art enthusiasts.
Within the framework of the program aimed at strengthening cultural and social interaction, a friendly match was organized between the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality and the Embassy of Hungary, highlighting the unifying power of sports.
In the final part of the visit program, the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble took the stage as part of the 26th International Black Sea Theatre Festival, delivering an unforgettable performance for the audience.
These events once again demonstrated that the longstanding friendship between Turkiye and Hungary continues to grow and develop across various fields.
Within this framework, Ambassador Viktor Mátis, Honorary Consul of Trabzon Umut Durbakayım and the accompanying delegation paid official visits to the Governorship of Trabzon and the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, where they discussed and evaluated cooperation and friendship relations between the two countries.
As part of the visit program, a wreath was laid at the Turkish–Hungarian Friendship Monument in Ganita, and emphasis was placed on friendship at this meaningful site, which symbolizes the shared historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
As part of the events, the unveiling ceremony of the bust of Hungarian commander Miklós Zrínyi was held at the Kanuni House, and at the same time, the exhibition titled “Friendship Hidden in Details” was opened to visitors and presented to art enthusiasts.
Within the framework of the program aimed at strengthening cultural and social interaction, a friendly match was organized between the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality and the Embassy of Hungary, highlighting the unifying power of sports.
In the final part of the visit program, the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble took the stage as part of the 26th International Black Sea Theatre Festival, delivering an unforgettable performance for the audience.
These events once again demonstrated that the longstanding friendship between Turkiye and Hungary continues to grow and develop across various fields.
Trabzon Governorate
Ambassador Viktor Mátis, Honorary Consul Umut Durbakayım and the accompanying delegation paid a courtesy visit to Trabzon Governor Tahir Şahin at his office. During the meeting, ideas were mutually exchanged on potential activities in the fields of culture and arts.
Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality
Ambassador Viktor Mátis, Honorary Consul Umut Durbakayım and the accompanying delegation paid a courtesy visit to Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç at his office.
Turkish–Hungarian Friendship Monument
As part of the visit program held in Trabzon to strengthen the longstanding friendship between Hungary and Turkiye, a meaningful commemorative ceremony was held.
At the Turkish–Hungarian Friendship Monument in Ganita, one of Trabzon’s iconic locations, a ceremony was held where Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Ahmet Metin Genç and our Ambassador Mr. Viktor Mátis jointly laid a wreath at the monument.
Commemoration Program at Kanuni House
Following the wreath-laying ceremony at Ganita, Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç and Ambassador Viktor Mátis attended the commemoration program held at the Kanuni House.
The program was attended by Trabzon Governor Tahir Şahin, Honorary Consul Umut Durbakayım, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Hungary in Ankara Bianka Petrovics, Director of the Cultural Center Áron Sipos, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Trabzon Naser Mohebati, AK Party Trabzon Provincial Chairman Sezgin Mumcu, Provincial Women’s Branch Chairwoman Ayfer Cihan, and Prof. Dr. Adnan Baki, President of the Magnificent Suleiman the Magnificent Foundation, along with many other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the program, Ambassador Viktor Mátis emphasized that the events held in Trabzon were of great significance to them, drawing attention to the wreath-laying ceremony held on the Ganita coast. He noted that the Friendship Monument refers to the Friendship Park in Szigetvár, and stated that although Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and the Hungarian national hero Miklós Zrínyi never met in history, they are today commemorated side by side as symbols of peace.
Ambassador Mátis also stated that the unveiling of the bust of Hungarian national hero Zrínyi at the Kanuni House held a special meaning for them, and expressed that the preservation of Hungarian history and culture in Trabzon makes a significant contribution to strengthening the ties between the two countries.
Following the speeches, the bust of Hungarian commander Miklós Zrínyi was unveiled. The program concluded with the serving of traditional Kanuni pilaf to the participants.
Friendly Match
As part of the visit program and within the scope of events marking the 531st anniversary of the birth of Suleiman the Magnificent, a meaningful friendly match was held under the leadership of the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality.
The match, played at Faroz Football Field, brought together the Trabzon provincial protocol and the Hungarian delegation. The kick-off was performed by Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç.
Ambassador Viktor Mátis served as the captain of the Hungarian Embassy team, while the Trabzon provincial protocol team included Trabzon Governor Tahir Şahin, Karadeniz Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, AK Party Trabzon Provincial Chairman Sezgin Mumcu, AK Party Ortahisar District Chairman Seyit Hisoğlu, and Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Erkut Çelebi, who also took part in the match.
The match, played in a spirit of friendship and sportsmanship, ended in a 4–4 draw. After the game, Honorary Consul Umut Durbakayım presented plaques to the players on the field as a memento of the day.
26. International Black Sea Theatre Festival
In the evening, a special program reflecting the unifying power of culture and the arts was held. As part of the 26th International Black Sea Theatre Festival, the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble took the stage.
Before the performance, goulash soup—one of the signature dishes of Hungarian cuisine—was served to the festival audience by the Embassy’s chef. This thoughtful gesture offered participants an opportunity to experience Hungarian culture up close.
Following this, the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble delivered a captivating performance that received great acclaim from the audience. Featuring vibrant choreography and strong stage presence, the show offered art lovers in Trabzon an unforgettable evening.
This event stood out as one of the finest examples of cultural exchange between the two countries.
Before the performance, goulash soup—one of the signature dishes of Hungarian cuisine—was served to the festival audience by the Embassy’s chef. This thoughtful gesture offered participants an opportunity to experience Hungarian culture up close.
Following this, the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble delivered a captivating performance that received great acclaim from the audience. Featuring vibrant choreography and strong stage presence, the show offered art lovers in Trabzon an unforgettable evening.
This event stood out as one of the finest examples of cultural exchange between the two countries.