Samsun City Guide

Samsun City Guide 

Samsun is the largest city on the Black Sea coast with an area of 9.579 km². The city named as Amisos in the Ancient Era is the commercial port of the region. All trade goods of this part of Anatolia are exported from Samsun to the other locations. The Big Commander Mustafa Kemal Ataturk initiated the independence war from the city by treading on the land of Samsun in 19 May 1919.

Tourist Attractions

Having a great range of lakes, streams, rivers, plateaus, forests and being open to sea, sun and sand, Samsun is located between Kizilirmak and Yesilirmak Deltas and is a center of agriculture. The city stands as a natural heaven.

In addition to natural beauties, the historical and cultural artifacts bring in a high tourism potential to the city. The city to be a transition route and the modern highways, railways and the airport connecting the city to the outside world redoubles the affinity of the city.

The existed charmed archaic cities form the basic historical treasure of the city. Dundartepe is situated at the 3 km southeast of the city. There are artifacts from Calcholitic, Old Bronze and Hitit ages within this location. Tekkekoy, Ikiztepe, Kaledoroglu, Lerdurge and more are the other archaic cities in Sivas. You will witness the history when traveling these places.

Museums compose another fragment of the city's historical and cultural heritage. Gazi (Veteran) Museum and Archeology and Ethnography Museum are the main museums being available at the city. The Ataturk Monument at the center and Ilk Adim Monument at Samsun Port are the important works for the city. While the first symbolizes the Independence War the second represents solidarity.

The covered bazaars of the city are attractive. Tashan built at the end of 17th century and Fazil Ahmet Pasha placed at Vezirkopru District are the most prominent ones.

Ladik-Hamamayagi and Havza Thermal Springs are examples from the natural beauties of the city. These hot springs being effective for the treatment of different kinds of diseases such as neuralgia, rheumatism, nervous exhaustion, and arthritis are splendid brilliants.

Culture & Entertainment

Baglama (a musical instrument with three double strings played with a plectrum) and fiddle are the main music instruments of the authentic folk music of the city culture.

Although the improvements in technology hinders the development of handicrafts the business of exercising handicraft has achieved to survive. Kilim, carpet, cloth handloom, oya (a kind of embroidery), shoe making, copper working, xylography and more are the products of local culture.

The beaches from Yatakent to Terme are suitable for sea bathing.

Ladik and Akdag Plateaus, Vezir and Kunduz Mountains and the places near Altinkaya Dam Lake are eligible for trooping, water sports, angling, motor excursion, camping and grass skiing. You should not leave the city without experiencing nature activities.

Food & Drink

Haricot bean, corn and cabbage turn out as the fabrics of the city cuisine. Meat, rice and pastries are more prevalent. Poultry is also significant for culinary culture of Samsun. Madimak, Munuk and Lorgon are the plants giving a different taste to the authentic soups.

Kaz yufkasi (goose), yer pancari, corn soup, keskek, kale soup, anchovy bread and dish are the main local foods of the city.

You should eat Samsun pita and roasted pickle at the restaurants in Kurupelit.

You should not forget to taste pikes of Ladik Lake.

Shopping

Ciftlik, Mecidiye, Foreigner's Bazaar are alternatives for shopping in the city. You can buy authentic clothes, handicrafts and more from these places. Also, The villages at the Hafza district and the mountain villages are proper places for hand looms and popular local dresses.