Samsun is Turkey's largest Black Sea port city and the capital of Samsun Province, with a metropolitan population of approximately 1.36 million. The city holds a special place in Turkish history as the landing point of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on May 19, 1919 — the moment that launched the Turkish War of Independence. Today Samsun is a vibrant modern city combining deep patriotic heritage, a long sandy Black Sea coastline, fertile hazelnut and tobacco countryside, and an increasingly lively dining and nightlife scene. The Kıyı Park seafront promenade stretches 7 km along the coast, the replica Bandırma Vapuru museum ship recalls Atatürk's historic arrival, and a modern tramway connects the city's main districts with ease.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Samsun hazelnuts (fındık)
Price: 60–150 TRY per 500g (~$1.80–4.50 USD)
Where: Old bazaar, Saturday market
Turkish çay glasses and tea sets
Price: 100–400 TRY ($3–12 USD)
Where: Bazaar shops
Local tobacco products (Samsun is historically a tobacco city)
Price: Varies
Where: Tobacco shops (tütüncü)
Handmade copper kitchenware
Price: 200–1,000 TRY ($6–30 USD)
Where: Antique and craft shops in old bazaar
Miniature Bandırma Vapuru (replica ship models)
Price: 150–500 TRY ($4.50–15 USD)
Where: Museum gift shop, souvenir shops near Kıyı Park
Black Sea honey (karadeniz balı)
Price: 150–300 TRY per jar ($4.50–9 USD)
Where: Bazaar, organic shops
Local dried corn (mısır)
Price: 20–50 TRY ($0.60–1.50 USD)
Where: Bazaar
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kapalı Çarşı
Local produce, textiles, household items
Cumartesi Pazarı
Fresh fish, vegetables, hazelnuts, dairy
Bafra Market
Village produce, hazelnuts, dairy
Where: Bafra, 40 km west