Samsun is the largest city in the Black Sea region of Turkey, located on the northern coast of the country.
It is known as "Ataturk's city", because it was here that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk arrived on May 19, 1919, to start the movement for Turkish independence.
Today, Samsun is a dynamic port, industrial center, cultural capital of the Black Sea region and a city where history meets modernity and sea air.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Northern Turkey, Black Sea Coast

• Population: about 1.4 million people

• Climate: humid and mild, typical of the Black Sea region

  • Summer: +26-30°C, comfortable and humid

  • Winter: +5-10°C, with rains and fogs

• Landscape: sea, plains, tea fields and forests - a unique combination of coastal and rural landscapes

The city stretches along the coast and the hills surrounding it offer panoramic views of the Black Sea and harbor.

🏛 Historical Background

The history of Samsun dates back thousands of years:

• In antiquity there was a Greek city of Aminos, then Amisos (founded by colonists from Miletus in the 8th century BC);

• In the Roman and Byzantine periods, a major trading port;

• After the 1200s, the city was part of the Trebizond Empire, and in the 1420s it came under Ottoman rule;

• In 1919, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk arrived here, launching the War of Independence, and Samsun came to symbolize the birth of the new Turkey.

🕊 City of Independence

Samsun's main pride is its role in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

🏛 Bandırma Museum (Bandırma Vapuru Müzesi)

• Dedicated to the ship "Bandırma" on which Atatürk arrived in Samsun.

• Inside is a replica of Atatürk's cabin, documents, photographs and historical displays.

• A symbolic monument to freedom and the beginning of a new era.

🗿 Ataturk Monument (Onur Anıtı)

• One of the most majestic monuments in Turkey.

• The bronze statue depicting Ataturk on horseback is a symbol of courage and independence.

• Located in a park on a hill overlooking the sea.

🏙 Samsun's main attractions

🏛 Samsun Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum

• Exhibits from ancient times to the Ottoman era.

• Mosaics, sarcophagi, weapons, jewelry and artifacts from the Anatolia region.

🌳 Batıpark Park.

• One of the largest parks of the Black Sea.

• The park features a Miniature Amisos Village, sculptures of Amazons, artificial lakes and botanical areas.

• A popular place for walks and picnics.

⛰ Amisos Mounds (Amisos Tepesi)

• A hill with archaeological excavations where royal tombs from the 4th century BC were found.

• There is a cable car leading to the cable car, offering magnificent views of the whole of Samsun.

🏖 Waterfront and Port

• A modern pedestrian zone with cafes, bike paths and piers.

• A place to stroll in the evening and feel the maritime atmosphere of the city.

🌿 Nature and surroundings

🏞 Ladik Lake (Ladik Gölü)

• 90 km from the city, among mountains and meadows.

• A place for fishing, boating and outdoor recreation.

🌊 Beaches of Samsun

• Atakum Beach - long sandy beach within the city limits, with cafes and bars.

• Fener Plajı - a quieter option, ideal for swimming and surfing.

⛰ Akdağ and Havza Plateau

• Mountainous areas with pastures, fresh air and mineral water springs.

• Excellent for trekking and ecotourism.

🍽 Samsun Cuisine

Samsun's cuisine reflects the richness of the Black Sea region:

• 🥟 Samsun mantısı - local dumplings with yogurt sauce and butter;

• 🍞 Bafra pidesi - famous dough boat with meat and cheese (thinner and juicier than classic pide);

• 🐟 Hamsi tava - fried anchovies, the symbol of the Black Sea;

• 🍲 Kuru fasulye - beans with meat, prepared according to a local recipe;

• 🍰 Laz böreği - dessert with cream and pastry in syrup;

• ☕ And, of course, Rize tea, which is served everywhere.

🎭 Culture and lifestyle.

Samsun is an educated, musical and sporty city:

• It hosts festivals, theater productions and concerts;

• Samsun State Theater and Philharmonic Hall are the centers of cultural life in the region;

• The city is proud of its soccer team Samsunspor, which has a strong fan support.

Samsun is also famous for its Black Sea music - fun, energetic, with the traditional instrument of the kamli (violin) and the khoron dance.

🏨 Where to stay

• Atakum is a neighborhood by the sea with beaches and cafes.

• Samsun Center (İlkadım) - close to museums, monuments and markets.

• Canik - business district with modern hotels.

🚗 How to get there

• ✈️ Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF) - international flights from Europe and Istanbul.

• 🚆 Rail connection to Ankara.

• 🚌 Intercity buses and highways along the Black Sea.

• 🚢 Seaport, receiving ferries and yachts.

✅ Why go to Samsun

✔ The historic city where the new Turkey began
✔ Comfortable climate and beautiful nature
✔ Rich culture and cuisine of the Black Sea
✔ Beaches, parks, museums and walks by the sea
✔ Hospitable people and authentic atmosphere

📌 Conclusion

Samsun is a city where history meets the sea.
It combines patriotism, nature, taste and modernity.
Here you can walk in the footsteps of Ataturk, enjoy tea by the sea, listen to the khoron and feel the true heart of Black Sea Turkey live.