Samsun is one of Turkey’s largest Black Sea ports and a city of genuine historical significance. The 19th of May 1919 — the day Atatürk landed here from Istanbul to launch the national resistance — is commemorated annually with parades and is one of Turkey’s most important national holidays.
The modern city has a long waterfront promenade, excellent Black Sea seafood, and provides a comfortable base for exploring the eastern Black Sea coast.
- Region
- Black Sea coast
- Historical date
- 19 May 1919
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Known for
- Independence Day, Black Sea seafood
The Atatürk Monument and 19 May
The famous equestrian statue of Atatürk at Cumhuriyet Square marks the spot associated with his landing. The Bandırma Vapuru — a replica of the museum ship that carried Atatürk to Samsun — is moored in the harbour and is now a museum.
The Atatürk and 19 May Museum tells the story of the independence movement in detail, with dioramas, maps and personal effects.
Amisos Hill
Amisos Hill (Batıpark Tepesi) is an ancient Pontic and Roman archaeological site on the hill above the city, with rock-cut tombs dating from the Pontic kingdom period (3rd century BC). The site gives panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea.
Kızılırmak Delta
The Kızılırmak Deltaeast of Samsun is one of Turkey’s most important wetland reserves — a vast area of lagoons, reed beds and seasonal lakes that attracts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each spring and autumn.
Samsun in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Samsun
2Samsun is where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed on 19 May 1919 to begin organising the Turkish War of Independence — the event that led to the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
The starting point of Turkey's War of Independence, Black Sea seafood (especially anchovy/hamsi), the Kızılırmak Delta bird reserve and as the largest city on the Turkish Black Sea coast.