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Samsun
Amisos Tumuli
Statue of Honor
Mount Nebiyan
Akdag Mountain
Bandirma Ship Museum
Samsun Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
Bandirma Ferry Museum

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Samsun

City mosaic and day skeleton

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17 Districts
29 Content
41.2211° N, 35.9881° E
19 Geography
At a glance

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Gateways to culture, history, geography and food.

Spotlight

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Hand-picked places and experiences from this page.

City mosaic and day skeleton

Overview

Samsun is one of the largest and most developed port cities on the Black Sea coast of Türkiye. Its geographical layout is shaped by the fertile agricultural lands nurtured by the vital Yeşilırmak River and the famous Çarşamba Plain. This dynamic metropolis, where daily life thrives along the long coastal lines, serves as the regional hub for commerce, culture, and industry, easily accessible via the local Map.

History and Prominent Landmarks

As the symbolic city of the national war of independence, the city hosts the historic Bandırma Ferry Museum and the magnificent Statue of Honor located in the city park. Housing ancient ruins, the Amisos Hill is an integral part of urban life with its cable car access and panoramic views.

Natural Wonders and Gastronomy

For nature enthusiasts, the Kızılırmak Delta bird sanctuary and the breathtakingly deep Şahinkaya Canyon offer exceptional outdoor experiences. The local culinary identity is highlighted by the traditional Samsun Pide and the uniquely crispy Bafra Pide.

Traditions, arts and local life

Culture

Samsun has a unique local culture shaped by its deep-rooted history on the Black Sea coast. The most prominent elements of the city's culinary culture are the geographically indicated Samsun Pide and Bafra Pide, known for its crispy texture. In terms of dessert culture, the traditional pastry Çarşamba Kıvratma, prepared especially for holidays, and Nokul, a pastry with hazelnuts or raisins, stand out.

The city's natural assets directly influence local life and festivals. While livestock breeding linked to wetland culture is common around the Kızılırmak Delta, highland traditions are actively maintained on the slopes of Akdağ Mountain. Additionally, traditional oil wrestling festivals are organized annually in the Kunduz Forests area to keep the local sports culture alive. You can explore this cultural landscape further in the Map section.

Flavors, dishes and restaurants

Food

8 items

Terrain, waters and landscape

Geography

19 items

Mountain

3

Plain

3

River

3

Lakes

2

Forest

1

Canyons

1

Museum

4

Historic sites

2

Timeline, heritage and stories

History

Samsun has been one of the most prominent port cities of the Black Sea since antiquity. Founded in the 7th century BC by Milesian colonists under the name Amisos, the city developed around Amisos Hill, where rich archaeological artifacts are uncovered today. Renowned in mythology as the land of the Amazon warriors, the region flourished as a major trading hub under Persian, Pontic, and Roman rules.

During the Middle Ages, the city transitioned through Danismend, Seljuk, and Genoese control before being integrated into the Ottoman Empire. The most significant turning point in its modern history occurred on May 19, 1919, marking the beginning of the War of Independence for Türkiye. The replica of the historical ship that carried Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the city serves today as the Bandırma Ferry Museum. The Mıntıka Palace Hotel where he stayed has been preserved as the Gazi Museum. Commemorating this national awakening, the famous Statue of Honor stands proudly in the city center.