Samsun history

The history of Samsun, a major port city in the north of Turkey, is rooted in deep antiquity. The first significant settlement on this site was founded by Greek colonists from the city of Miletus in the 7th century BC. The city was named Amisos and quickly developed into a prosperous colony on the Black Sea coast. Its early importance is confirmed by the fact that Amisos minted its own coins and was mentioned in the works of ancient historians.

Samsun owes its growth and centuries-old significance to several key factors. Firstly, its strategic geographical location on the shores of a convenient bay made it a natural seaport. The city was situated at the intersection of trade routes connecting the interior regions of Anatolia with the Black Sea coast. Secondly, the fertile lands in the deltas of the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak rivers fostered the development of agriculture. Due to its position, the city was constantly at the centre of great powers' interests: it was part of the Kingdom of Pontus, was conquered by the Roman Empire, later became an important hub of the Byzantine Empire, until it finally became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.

Initially, the city's culture was Hellenistic, which is characteristic of Greek colonies. Since ancient times, the economy has been closely linked to maritime trade, fishing, and agriculture. During the Ottoman period, Samsun strengthened its position as one of the key ports on the Black Sea, becoming a vital centre for trade, particularly tobacco. The city also played a decisive role in the country's modern history: it was here that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived on May 19, 1919, to initiate the War of Independence.

Key Dates in the History of Samsun

The history of Samsun spans several millennia, during which the city played an important role in the life of various civilizations and empires. Below are the main milestones of its rich past.

• 7th Century BC — Greek colonists from Miletus found the city of Amisos on the Black Sea coast, which becomes an important trading post.
• 71 BC — The city is conquered by the Roman general Pompey and becomes part of the Roman Empire, continuing its development as a significant port.
• 4th Century AD — After the division of the Roman Empire, Amisos becomes an important economic and religious centre of the Byzantine Empire.
• 1180s — The city first comes under the rule of the Seljuk Turks, marking the beginning of a new phase in its history.
• 1204 — Following the Fourth Crusade and the fall of Constantinople, Amisos becomes the second most important city of the newly formed Empire of Trebizond.
• 13th–15th Centuries — During this period, a Turkish settlement named Samsun exists alongside the Greek Amisos, and the city is alternately controlled by various states, including the Genoese.
• 15th Century — The city is definitively incorporated into the Ottoman Empire, leading to the gradual Islamisation and Turkification of the region.
• 19th Century — Samsun becomes a global centre for the tobacco trade, which contributes to its economic growth and the modernisation of the port.
• May 19, 1919 — Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrives in Samsun on the ship "Bandırma", an event considered the starting point of the Turkish War of Independence.
• 1923 — After the establishment of the Turkish Republic, Samsun is confirmed in its status as a major seaport and an important economic centre of the country.

Stages of the City's Development and Growth

The evolution of Samsun from an ancient trading settlement to a modern metropolis is a story of constant adaptation and strategic growth. The city has undergone several key transformations that have defined its current economic and cultural character.

• Tobacco Industry Boom (19th Century). The transformation of the city into a global centre for tobacco cultivation and export became a powerful driver of the economy. This led to the construction of factories, an influx of foreign capital, and the appearance of unique European-style architecture that still adorns the central streets today.
• Construction of the Samsun — Sivas Railway (1926–1932). The laying of the first railway line of the republican period connected the Black Sea coast with the central regions, in which Turkey is rich. This event secured the city's status as the main maritime gateway of Anatolia and ensured the uninterrupted transit of goods.
• Large-scale Port Modernisation (1950s – 2000s). Continuous expansion and technical re-equipment of the port allowed it to become the largest on the country's Black Sea coast. Today, it is a key logistics hub, handling a significant portion of the region's foreign trade turnover.
• Opening of Ondokuz Mayıs University (1975). The creation of a major educational centre radically changed the demographics and cultural environment. The arrival of tens of thousands of students rejuvenated the city, and the development of the medical faculty made it an important healthcare centre in the north of the country.
• Formation of a Medical Manufacturing Cluster. In recent decades, the city has become known as one of the global centres for the production of surgical instruments. The development of this high-tech industry has taken local manufacturing to a new level and diversified the economy.
• Launch of the Light Rail System (2010). The commissioning of the modern tram line (Samulaş) was an important milestone in urban planning. It solved the transport problems of the growing metropolis and stimulated the development of districts by connecting the university campus with the centre and the industrial zone.
• Revitalisation of the Coastline. Large-scale landscaping projects on the embankment, including the creation of "Batı Park" and the thematic "Amazon Village", have turned former wastelands into centres of public life and tourism, restoring comfortable access to the sea for residents and visitors.

The architectural appearance of Samsun represents a multi-layered canvas upon which different eras have left their mark — from the Ottoman Empire to the modern Turkish Republic. The urban development of the city is closely linked to its status as a key port on the Black Sea, which determined the blend of styles and functional zones.

Ottoman Heritage

Examples of classical Ottoman architecture have been preserved in the city. A striking example is the Grand Mosque (Büyük Camii), which serves not only as a religious centre but also as an important architectural monument. This period is characterised by traditional wooden houses, some of which can be found in the old quarters, reflecting the social structure and lifestyle of that time. A unique structure in the vicinity is the wooden Göğceli Mosque (Göğceli Camii), built in the early 13th century without a single nail, demonstrating the high craftsmanship of carpenters of that era.

European Influence and Early Republican Period

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the economic boom associated with the tobacco trade, buildings in the European style appeared in Samsun. An example is the building that now houses the Gazi Museum, originally a hotel built in the late 19th century. Also during this period, the Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) was erected, designed by a French engineer in 1887 by order of the Sultan. With the founding of the Turkish Republic, the city's architecture began to reflect the spirit of the new era. The monumental art of this time is represented by the Statue of Honour (Onur Anıtı), unveiled in 1932, which symbolises the beginning of the War of Independence.

Modern Urban Development

Today, Samsun is a dynamically developing metropolis. Modern architecture is represented by high-rise residential complexes, large shopping centres (Piazza, Yeşilyurt AVM), sports facilities, and new industrial sites. The development of transport infrastructure, including the construction of modern highways and the launch of a light rail system, is actively shaping the new look of the city. This stage is characterised by functionality, the use of modern materials, and a desire to create a comfortable urban environment that meets the needs of one of the largest economic centres of Turkey's Black Sea region.

Prominent Personalities Associated with Samsun

Samsun, a city with a rich history and culture, has been the birthplace or a key location in the biographies of many famous Turkish figures. These individuals have left a significant mark on politics, arts, and sports, bringing fame to their city across the country and beyond.

• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938): The founder and first President of the Turkish Republic. Although Atatürk was not born in Samsun, the city is inextricably linked with his name. It was here that he arrived on May 19, 1919, which is considered the official start of the Turkish War of Independence. This event turned Samsun into a symbol of national resurgence.
• Yaşar Doğu (1913–1961): A legendary Turkish wrestler in freestyle and Greco-Roman styles. A native of Samsun province, he became an Olympic champion, as well as a World and European champion. Sports arenas and international tournaments are named after him, and he is considered one of the greatest athletes in Turkish history.
• Orhan Gencebay (born 1944): One of the most influential musicians, composers, and singers in the history of Turkish music, born in Samsun. His unique style, combining elements of folk, classical, and Arabic music, earned him nationwide love and the unofficial title "Father of Arabesque".
• Nebahat Çehre (born 1944): A famous Turkish actress, model, and singer born in Samsun. She began her career by winning the "Miss Turkey" contest in 1960 and has played dozens of roles in film and television, becoming an icon of Turkish cinema.
• Tanju Çolak (born 1963): A famous Turkish footballer and striker born in Samsun. He is the winner of the European Golden Shoe in 1988 as Europe's top scorer and remains the only Turkish player to receive this award. Çolak was repeatedly the top scorer of the Turkish league, playing for Samsunspor, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe.
• Vedat Aşcı (born 1960): A major Turkish businessman and investor, founder of Astaş Holding, born in Samsun. He is known for his large-scale projects in luxury real estate and the hotel business in Istanbul, as well as philanthropic activities in his native region.