A journey into time: Historical places in Samsun
Samsun Atatürk Monument (Statue of Honor)
The Atatürk Monument is considered Samsun’s most important historical landmark and a symbol of the city. Set in Atatürk Park, the monument commemorates the landing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Samsun and displays figures from the War of Independence. The Atatürk Monument is particularly notable in that it was established via fundraising efforts by Samsun’s residents.
Samsun Clock Tower
Erected in 1887, the Samsun Clock Tower is in Saathane Square, in Samsun’s Ilkadım neighborhood and about two kilometers from the city center. The tower, featuring a polygonal base and a compartmental structure, underwent several modifications; at one time it was deployed as a watchtower in addition to its primary function.
Bandırma Ferry
Set in Samsun’s Canik neighborhood, the Bandırma Ferry Museum opened to the public in 2003. The ship is a replica of the one in which Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived from Bandırma; the original ship sank in 1925.
The museum includes wax sculptures of Atatürk and his fellow soldiers, as well as exhibits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s handwritten letters. The museum also features displays of the captain’s quarters and the ship saloon, along with various shipping-related items.
Samsun Castle
Built to protect the city, Samsun Castle was erected by the Danishmendids in 1192. The seafront complex has three gates and extends to the covered bazaar in Saathane Square. While the castle is not fully preserved, it is still a popular tourist attraction.
Amisos Hill
Formerly known as Baruthane Hill, the historical site of Amisos Hill dates from the third century BC. It was discovered in 1995 and is now a protected area and an open-air museum featuring Hellenistic tomb complexes, block-stone walls, and exhibits on Samsun’s religious, cultural and social heritages. Amisos Hill is about four kilometers from the city center and provides stunning views of the surrounding areas.
Samsun’s famous dishes
Bafra pita
Even more widely known than Samsun’s historical sites is the city’s Bafra pita. Dough stuffed with onions and minced meat is formed into a long cylinder, baked over a wood fire and then brushed thoroughly with butter. Especially on Sundays, there are long queues in front of bakeries for the famous Bafra pita.
Çakallı menemeni (scrambled eggs with tomatoes)
Çakallı menemen has recently emerged as one of the most popular Samsun dishes! Typically, menemen is made with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers; the difference between the regular version and that of Samsun’s Çakallı village is cheese: Çakallı menemen is topped with grated kashar cheese after cooking.
Oymaağaç kebab
Samsun’s Vezirköprü district is famous for its Oymaağaç kebab, named for the district’s Oymaağaç village. Eaten hot or cold, the kebab is usually made with goat’s meat between the months of May and November.
The kebab is so well-known, in fact, that one of the traditional village houses in Oymaağaç is designated as the ‘kebab room’ and the place where the goat meat is slowly roasted over a wood fire.
Broad-bean stuffed sarma (baklalı sarma)
Like so many traditional Turkish dishes, sarma (stuffed grape or cabbage leaves) exhibits regional characteristics. Samsun’s traditional sarma filling features broad beans, cracked wheat and tiny bits of chopped meat, for a particularly flavorful dish!
Kıvratma (A regional dry baklava)
Originating in Samsun’s Çarşamba district, this dessert has a geographical indication and is registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.
Kıvratma, also known as a dry holiday dessert (kuru bayram tatlısı), is similar to burma baklava but is prepared without sherbet. The phyllo pastry, however, is stuffed with plenty of nuts and sugar.
Natural beauties of Samsun
Kabaceviz Waterfall
In addition to its historical sites, Samsun presents nature in all its glory. The Kabaceviz Waterfall in Çarşamba, about 45 kilometers from the Samsun city center, is among the natural wonders in the region. The sixty-meter waterfall and the lush nature surrounding it are a popular destination for trekking, mountaineering or picnicking.
19 Mayıs University (OMÜ) Pond
About five kilometers from the city center is the 19 Mayıs University Pond, a peaceful locale with a picturesque camping area. Visitors bring tents and spend the night or simply enjoy a day relaxing on the grassy lakefront.
Akalan Waterfalls
One hundred kilometers from the Samsun city center are the Akalan Waterfalls, one of the most important tourist attractions in Samsun’s Bafra district. Offering an expansive, serene setting, the area features eighteen waterfalls of varying sizes – a perfect place to spend the day.
Handicrafts of Samsun
Both the districts of the Samsun province and the city of Samsun are renowned for their handicrafts. Carpet weaving and samovar production, for example, are associated with the Vezirköprü district. The Terme and Çarşamba districts are well-known for hazelnut shell baskets; tin smithing and artisanal shoemaking are also prominent in the Çarşamba district.
In addition, the province is known for its woodwork. In the Çarşamba district the historical Göceli Mosque, one of Anatolia’s oldest wooden mosques, is particularly notable for its carved wood ornamentation.
Have a delightful holiday in Samsun!
