Samsun

Samsun is a city and the capital of Samsun Province in the Black Sea region of northern Turkey. It lies on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and sits at the mouth of the Kızılırmak River, which historically formed a delta near the city. The city serves as a major port and commercial center, with industries in fishing, agriculture-based processing, textiles, and timber.

The area has ancient roots; it was known in antiquity as Amisos. Through late antiquity and the medieval period, it remained an important port city under various empires. In 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed in Samsun as part of the Turkish War of Independence, an event that is commemorated in local monuments and museums.

Samsun is a regional hub for education and culture. It is home to Ondokuz Mayıs University, founded in 1975, along with several other higher education institutions. The city has historical and cultural sites, including museums and seaside promenades, and hosts markets and festivals that reflect a blend of Black Sea and inland Turkish traditions. Transportation in Samsun includes a commercial port on the Black Sea and an airport that connects the city with major Turkish cities. Road and rail links connect Samsun to the interior and to other coastal towns along the Black Sea. Samsun remains a key gateway to the central Black Sea region, balancing its historical heritage with modern industry and education.