And yet few international travelers make the journey to, much less know anything about, Turkey’s Black Sea region, or Karadeniz. Editor’s Note — This CNN Travel series is, or was ...

Nato member Turkey has sought to maintain good relations with both of its Black Sea neighbours since the Russian invasion three years ago and has twice hosted direct talks aimed at ending the war.

NATO-member Turkey hosted initial talks between the sides months after Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, helping secure a deal for the safe passage of grain exports in the Black Sea.