The city of Samsun is a major port in northern Turkey. Another Türkiye: why go to Samsun

Turkey is diverse and unpredictable, and each region has its own way of life and traditions. Mediterranean resorts are not at all similar to the Black Sea territories, so if you fall in love with this country and want to get to know it to the end, then you should definitely visit the cities located on the Black Sea coast. One of these was the port of Samsun: Turkey especially values the metropolis, because it played an important role in the history of the state. You can find out all the details about this city, as well as ways to get there, from our article.

General information

Samsun is a port city located in the central-northern part of Turkey on the Black Sea coast. As of 2017, its population is more than 1.3 million people. The metropolis covers an area of 9352 square meters. km. And although the city of Samsun is located on the sea coast, tourists visit it primarily for excursion purposes.

The first settlements on the territory of the modern metropolis appeared back in 3500 millennium BC. And in the 6th century BC. The Ionians built a city on these lands and gave it the name Amisos. Ancient sources say that it was here that the famous Amazons once lived, in whose honor a cultural festival is held annually in Samsun. After the decline of Greek civilization, the city passed into the hands of the Romans and then the Byzantines. And in the 13th century, Amisos was taken over by the Seljuks, who soon renamed it Samsun.

Today Samsun is an important port of Turkey, stretching over more than 30 km along the Black Sea coast. It is a center of tobacco production, fishing and trade. Thanks to its rich history, Samsun boasts many attractions for which travelers come here.

It is noteworthy that Samsun has a fairly developed tourism infrastructure, so there are plenty of accommodation options and catering establishments. What is worth seeing here and where to stay, we describe in detail below.

Attractions

Among the attractions of Samsun in Turkey there are both cultural and natural sites. And of greatest interest are:

Museum ship Bandirma Vapuru Muzesi

The floating museum in Samsun will tell you about Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who, together with his associates, arrived in the port city in 1919 on the steamship Bandirma Vapuru with the aim of leading the fight for the country's independence. The ship has undergone a high-quality restoration, so it is exhibited in excellent condition. Inside you can see household items, the captain's cabin, the hall of honors, the deck and Atatürk's bedroom. The museum also displays wax figures of Mustafa Kemal and his companions. Outside, the ship is surrounded by the National Resistance Park. In general, a visit to the attraction will appeal to lovers of Turkish history and will be educational for ordinary people.

The museum is open on weekdays from 8:00 to 17:00.
Entrance fee for an adult it is 2 TL ($0.5), for children 1 TL ($0.25).
Address: Belediye Evleri Mh., 55080 Canik/Samsun, Türkiye.

Park and monument to Ataturk

Statue of Mustafa Kemal

The city of Samsun in Turkey is famous as the starting point from where Ataturk began his struggle for the country's independence. Therefore, in the metropolis you can find many attractions dedicated to this politician. The next of them was Ataturk Park - a small green place, in the center of which a bronze statue of Mustafa Kemal on a horse rises majestically. The height of the sculpture without the pedestal is 4.75 meters, and with it – 8.85 meters. It is noteworthy that the author of the monument was an Austrian sculptor, who depicted the first president of Turkey with a strong-willed face and a swift gaze on a rearing stallion. The monument was inaugurated in 1932 by citizens of the country, thus expressing their love and respect for the national hero.

The attraction is open to the public at any time and is completely free.
Address: Samsun Belediye Parki, Samsun, Türkiye.

Amazon theme park

Accessible from the scenic hills of Samsun by ski lift, this quaint place is a theme park dedicated to ancient female warriors. According to historical sources, many centuries ago, not far from the modern territory of the city, there were settlements of the famous Amazons. In the center of the park there is a huge statue of a warrior with a spear and shield: its height is 12.5 meters, its width is 4 meters, and its weight is 6 tons. On either side of it are large sculptures of Anatolian lions, 24 meters long and 11 meters high. Inside the animal statues there are exhibitions of wax figures of Amazons, as well as military scenes from the life of these stern women.

The attraction is accessible at any time, but to visit the museums you need to take into account the opening hours - the exhibition is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
Entry price equals 1 TL ($0.25).
Address: Samsun Batipark Amazon Adasi, Samsun, Türkiye.

When looking at photos of Samsun in Turkey, you can often come across pictures with breathtaking landscapes of mountains bordered at the foot by lake waters. This unique natural attraction is often visited as part of an excursion tour of Samsun, but the canyon itself is located 100 km west of the metropolis. You can go on a trip through the gorge on board a ship, which will not be difficult to find near the Sahinkaya canyon itself. On the shores of the lake there are several cozy restaurants serving national and fish dishes.

In general, at the attraction you can buy a ticket for three types of boats: a trip on the most budget ones will cost 10 TL ($2.5), on the most expensive ones - 100 TL ($25).
Vessels depart daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Address: Altınkaya Barajı | Türkmen Köyü, Kayıkbaşı mevkii, Samsun 55900, Türkiye.

Port of Samsun

The city and port of Samsun in Turkey is located between the deltas of the Yesilirmak and Kizilimak rivers, which flow into the Black Sea. This is one of the main ports of the country, mainly specializing in the export of tobacco and wool products, grain crops and fruits. Among the goods imported into the city, petroleum products and industrial equipment predominate. In total, the port handles more than 1.3 million tons of cargo annually.

Holidays in Samsun

North Point Hotel

Although the port of Samsun is rarely considered a resort town with an abundance of housing for every taste, the metropolis has many hotels of various categories that are ready to comfortably accommodate their guests. There are mainly 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, but there are also a few apartments and a couple of guest houses. For example, the cost of staying in a three-star hotel in a double room in the summer months starts from 116 TL ($27) and varies in the range of 200 TL ($45) per night. However, the price of many offers includes breakfast. If you want to check into a hotel with a higher star, then get ready to pay 250 TL ($58) for a double room per day.

Holidays in Samsun in Turkey will delight you with a variety of cafes and restaurants, both with a national menu and a European focus. Among them you can find both budget eateries and chic establishments. So, a snack in an inexpensive cafe will cost about 20 TL ($5). But the cost of a three-course lunch for two in a mid-range restaurant will be 50 TL ($12). You will certainly find a budget snack in well-known fast foods, where your bill will not exceed 16-20 TL ($4-5). Popular drinks will cost on average the following amounts:

Local beer 0.5 – 12 TL ($3)
Imported beer 0.33 – 12 TL ($3)
Cup of cappuccino – 8 TL ($2)
Pepsi 0.33 – 4 TL (1 $)
Water 0.33 – 1 TL ($0.25)

Among the most worthy establishments, tourists who have already visited Samsun noted: “Carsamba”

There are several ways to get to Samsun, and the fastest way is by air. The closest airport to the city is Carsamba Airport, 23 km to the east. The air harbor serves both local and international flights, however, there are no direct flights from Moscow, Kyiv and the CIS countries, so you will have to fly with transfers.

The easiest way to get there is by plane from Istanbul. Turkish airlines Turkish Airlines, Onur Air and Pegasus Airlines operate daily flights from Istanbul to Samsun. Ticket prices start from 118 TL ($28) and travel time takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.

You can get from Carsamba airport to the city by bus from the BAFAŞ company for 10 TL ($2.5). If this option does not suit you, a taxi or a transfer booked in advance via the Internet is always available at your service.

It is possible to get to Samsun from Istanbul by intercity bus, but this option is practically no different in cost from air travel: ticket prices start from 90 TL ($22). Moreover, such a trip will take at least 12 hours.

It is worth noting that since May 2017, the air carrier RusLine has opened regular flights in the Krasnodar-Samsun-Krasnodar direction. Flights in both directions are carried out only on Saturdays, the flight takes no more than an hour. Round-trip tickets start at $180. These are, perhaps, all the most accessible ways by which you can get to the port city of Samsun, Turkey.

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Samsun (Turkish Samsun, Greek Σαμψούντα): Samsun is a city in northern Turkey, the administrative center of the Samsun region. Samsun Silt in northern Turkey ... Wikipedia

Samsun city for the opening of the Blue Stream gas pipeline- Samsun is one of the most important Black Sea ports of Turkey and the administrative center of the province of the same name, which is called the city that changed the fate of the country. It was here that the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, announced on May 19, 1919... ... Encyclopedia of Newsmakers

A city in northern Turkey, administrative center of Samsun, port on the Black Sea. 304 thousand inhabitants (1990). The center of a large tobacco growing region. Tobacco, food, chemical industries. Copper smelter. University. Founded in the 6th century. BC uh... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

This term has other meanings, see Samsun (meanings). Samsun city tour. Samsung ... Wikipedia

- (Samsun), a city in northern Turkey, the administrative center of Samsun, a port on the Black Sea. 327 thousand inhabitants (1994). The center of a large tobacco growing region. Tobacco, food, chemical industries. Copper smelter. University. Founded in... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Samsun) a city in northern Turkey, the administrative center of the Samsun vilayet. 134.3 thousand inhabitants (1970). Port on the shore of Samsun Bay of the Black Sea; cargo turnover 1.5 million tons in 1973; export of tobacco, grain, wool, fruit. Railway station. Highway junction... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

- (Samsun), a city in northern Turkey, on the Black Sea coast. 363 thousand inhabitants (2000). Founded by the Greeks in 562 BC. e. under the name Amisos on the site of a settlement destroyed by the Phrygians in 1182 BC. Consistently was under the control of Rome,... ... Geographical encyclopedia

Samsun is an amazing city in northern Turkey, the administrative center of the Samsun vilayet, a port on the shore Black Sea. Modern Samsun is a Turkish city, with a population of about 440 thousand inhabitants in 2007.

Namely on Samsun resort - This is a great way not only to relax in Turkey, but also to get an unforgettable experience.

Samsun attracts tourists with a thousand-year-old cultural heritage: from the Amazons to the Ottoman Empire. In this Turkish city, waterfalls, lakes, and forests are a wonderful example of nature. Healing springs, traditional architecture, delicious food and festivals - all this makes Samsun a desirable place for tourists to visit.

In the north of Turkey, between the deltas of the Kizilirmak and Yesilirmak rivers, lies this region with fertile land, which is also called “Mesopotamia of the Black Sea”.

Samsun is a port city that has become the cradle of many civilizations. Geographically, it will consist of the following regions: Alcham, Asardzhik, Ayvadzhik, Bafra, Charshamba, Hawza, Kavak, Ladik, Ondokumais, Salypazari, Tekkekoy, Terme, Vezirkopru, Yakakent, Ilkadim, Janik, and Atakum. It can be reached by land, air, sea and rail.

Do you know about this?

The legendary warrior Amazon women lived in Samsun,
. There are many historical wooden buildings preserved in Samsun,
. The Kizilirmak River in Samsun flows into the sea,
. In addition to the sea, sun and sand, Samsun has all the conditions for winter sports and ecotourism
. Did you know that the National Resistance, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk started in Samsun. It was in this city that the foundations of Turkish statehood were laid.

History of Samsun

In the ancient world, Samsun was one of the most important cities in the Paphlagonia region. The earliest settlements of Samsun date back to the Paleolithic period, as evidenced by finds found in a cave in the south of Tekkekoy. In other periods of the Stone Age, Mesolithic and Neolithic, settlements were also found here. During the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages, in the south of the city of Samsun, in the area of the Dündar Tepe Hoyugü mound, one of the civilizations existed. In the writings of the Hitites, the oldest inhabitants of Samsun are mentioned as Galaskars.

In the early Bronze Age in 1200 BC, after the Gaskalari, the legendary Amazons settled near the Terme River. In the 6th century BC. The ancient Greeks founded today's Samsun (Amisos) as one of the colonies of Pontus near the Black Sea, then the city came under the control of the Roman Empire.

After this, the city was in the possession of the Persians, Alexander the Great and his successors. Roman and Byzantine emperors, the principality of Danishmentliler Beyligi and the Anatolian Seljuks. Thanks to Sultan Mehmet, the city passed into the Ottoman state and one of the most important events in the history of the city was the arrival of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on May 19, 1919 and the beginning of the Turkish War of Liberation. This day has been celebrated throughout Turkey since 1936 as “Youth and Sports Day”.

Amazon Terme

In historical sources, Amazons are very often found as warriors who do not dismount from their horses, using a bow, arrows and a double-sided ax (labrys) as weapons. According to legend, in order to better draw the bow, their right breast was removed as a child, and this is where the name Amazon comes from, which means “without breast.” The Izmir ancient poet Homer describes the Amazons as “like men” and that in the Trojan War they took possession of a place near the city of Troy.

These women founded the ancient city of Terme (Themyscira) off the coast of the Black Sea. Here they lived and had interesting ceremonies. They say that they used men as slaves and entered into intimate relationships with them only for procreation, and after that they were killed. They also maimed or killed male children, and raised girls to be warriors like themselves.

Many sculptures and paintings all over the world depict Amazons. Among them, the most famous is a sculptural composition depicting the Amazons, made famous in the 5th century BC. sculptors Theidias, Polykleitos and Cresilas (copies of the Roman period) and Rubens’s painting “The Warlike Amazon”.

Ancient city of Amisos

In ancient times, Samsun (Amisos) was considered the central city, and it went through several levels of development. In the 6th century BC. When it was a small settlement, the Milesians came here, followed by residents from Capadocia and Foca. After this, the history of Amisos began to develop in parallel with the history of the region.

Samsun, as an important trading port of the Black Sea, since the Bronze Age (Chalcolithic) (about 5000-3000 BC) has still traded not only with central Anatolia, but also with other areas of the Black Sea coast. Here, importance was attached not only to trade and navigation, but also to art, as evidenced by theater buildings and masks for performances. These samples of masks, which are a symbol of the theater, have survived to this day. And the magnificent mosaic and treasury of the city today are in the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of Samsun. In order to get acquainted with ancient ruins, during a tour of the Black Sea you can visit this ancient city of Amisos.

Bafra Agsar fortress and stone burials of Kay Mezarlara
In the Kyzylyrmak valley in the village of Agsar Koyu, the ruins of antiquity represent the remains of a fortress, city walls, wells and a prison. An asphalt road with stone steps leads to this fortress through a tunnel, dating back to 1000 BC. This place is also attractive with the most beautiful sunsets.
Under the fortress there is a magnificent stone burial. Located in the Kizilirmak Valley of Vadisa, this burial site resembles a temple with columns and is a place of frequent visits.

Samsun (disambiguation)- Samsun (Turkish Samsun, Greek Σαμψούντα): Samsun is a city in northern Turkey, the administrative center of the Samsun region. Samsun Silt in northern Turkey ... Wikipedia

SAMSUNG (Samsun)- a city in northern Turkey, administrative center of Samsun, port on the Black Sea. 304 thousand inhabitants (1990). The center of a large tobacco growing region. Tobacco, food, chemical industries. Copper smelter. University. Founded in the 6th century. BC uh... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Samsun- This term has other meanings, see Samsun (meanings). Samsun city tour. Samsung ... Wikipedia

Samsun- (Samsun), a city in northern Turkey, the administrative center of Samsun, a port on the Black Sea. 327 thousand inhabitants (1994). The center of a large tobacco growing region. Tobacco, food, chemical industries. Copper smelter. University. Founded in... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Samsun- (Samsun) a city in northern Turkey, the administrative center of the Samsun vilayet. 134.3 thousand inhabitants (1970). Port on the shore of Samsun Bay of the Black Sea; cargo turnover 1.5 million tons in 1973; export of tobacco, grain, wool, fruit. Railway station. Highway junction... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Samsun- (Samsun), a city in northern Turkey, on the Black Sea coast. 363 thousand inhabitants (2000). Founded by the Greeks in 562 BC. e. under the name Amisos on the site of a settlement destroyed by the Phrygians in 1182 BC. Consistently was under the control of Rome,... ... Geographical encyclopedia

The city of Samsun is located in northern Turkey, along the Black Sea coast. Samsun is the main city of the province of the same name. Samsun is also an important trading port and a transport hub with a developed fishing industry. The city contains a rich history, as evidenced by its architectural sights, which will be of interest to lovers of excursions. Samsun also attracts with its mild climate and bright Turkish flavor, which distinguishes it from many European cities. In addition to ancient monuments, the city will delight tourists with healing springs, delicious cuisine and various festivals.

How to get to Samsun

Samsun Carsamba Airport regularly receives flights from Istanbul, and annually serves a large number of passengers who fly here and from other regions. The city also has developed rail and bus transport. Ferries operate across the Black Sea, so Samsun can also be reached by sea.

It is worth remembering that you can only get from Istanbul to Samsun by plane - trains do not run from the capital of Turkey to Samsun. You can get here by train from other Turkish cities - Sivas and Amasya.

Prices in local stores and hotels

Samsun has a variety of hotels suitable for tourists of all income levels. Business class hotels are chosen by tourists with middle and high incomes. These hotels offer a wide range of services, and the rooms have all the amenities. Those who want to save money prefer cheaper hotels, where the range of services is not so varied, but the stay will still be comfortable.

Among the expensive hotels in Samsun one can highlight the GrandAtakumHotel 4* costing from 52 euros per night. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, elegant furniture, and windows overlooking the Black Sea.

The cost per day at the GloriaTibiHotel 3* is from 34 euros. Vacationers are offered a buffet, car rental, massage and Turkish bath. At the YafeyaHotel 3*, the price per night will cost an average of 40 euros. It is located in the city center, and in the hotel restaurant you can taste haute cuisine a la carte.

Budget hotels in Samsun include GrandDesiHotel - from 22 euros per night, HotelAkca - from 20 euros and others.

The city's shops and trade stalls offer vacationers a wide selection of clothing, wool, carpets, baskets, souvenirs and handicrafts. Many goods in Samsun have low prices and excellent quality.

Samsun kitchen

The history of Samsun goes back more than one century, so the local cuisine is quite diverse. Traditional foods include meat dishes, corn, rice, beans, cabbage and dough products. The most popular dish in the city is considered to be the flatbread “Samsun pidesi” with a variety of fillings.

Samsun restaurants offer delicious corn and yogurt soups, lentil pilaf, and seafood dishes. Excellent dishes are prepared here based on anchovy, for example, fish soup and delicious pilaf. Ogmapeyniri cheese with spices and herbs is also quite tasty. As a dessert, you can try the pistachio and walnut cake “HelvasiHemsin”.

What to see in Samsun

The city of Samsun is not at all like other Turkish resorts on the Antalya coast. Its attractions have their own national characteristics. Many tourists will be interested in the streets of the Saat Kulesi Meydani area with low houses in the style of the Ottoman Empire. Take a look. No less remarkable are the ruins of Oymaagach Khoyuk, where trade caravans used to stop.

The history of Turkey will be told in the exhibits of the Kemal Ataturk Museum, where various historical materials are presented. Among other interesting museums in Samsun, it is worth highlighting the Ship Museum, inside of which there is a hall of honors, a bedroom, and a captain’s cabin. You can also visit the house museum of Ataturk, the progenitor of the revolution in Turkey. The monument to this national hero is located in the city park and is a symbol of Incheon, which is always surrounded by many tourists.

The Pazar and Haji Khatun mosques, built in the Middle Ages, are considered important religious buildings in Samsun. The building of the Italian Catholic Church is divided into three parts by columns. The internal arches are decorated with picturesque panels. In the Havza area, the historical houses of Havza Evleri were built, attracting attention with their unusual architecture.

The city also has natural attractions. The Karaceviz waterfall is considered popular among tourists. Thanks to the natural nature and magnificent scenery, tent camps are often set up in this area. In the Bafra region there are 6 large and several dozen small waterfalls. Tent tourism is also developed on the banks of Evdzhi and Sakarli.

Wildlife lovers will appreciate the Kizilirmak River Delta, home to various species of birds. In this place you can not only watch birds, but also fish. This area is protected because the delta is home to many rare animals such as the crested pelican, sea eagle, great cormorant and red-horned goose.

Useful information for tourists

The climate of Samsun is significantly influenced by the proximity of the Black Sea and high mountains, which do not allow cold air masses from central Turkey to pass through. In winter, the average temperature is from +5 to +7 degrees, and in summer it is often above +23 degrees. The best time to travel to the city is considered to be from May to September. This time is ideal for a beach holiday and for visiting excursions. The most rainfall occurs from October to March, so there are few tourists in Samsun during this period.

Ski lovers can go to the winter tourism center Akdag. In summer you can enjoy grass skiing here.