Turkish Samsun was a discovery for me.
I did not know about the existence of this city, nor (even more so) about its connections with Krasnodar Territory and Adygea.
And I am sure that the majority of us are in Krasnodar, although Samsun is geographically close to our region - you just need to move to the opposite coast of the Black Sea.
Now, with the advent of a new direct flight Krasnodar - Samsun, getting to the place has become very simple.
And why go to this mysterious city, and what it can be interesting for, I will try to tell in this post.
Samsun is a city in northern Turkey, located on the Black Sea coast.
Its history began in the VI century BC, with the founding of a settlement-colony by the ancient Greeks.
Later, the city was under the control of the Roman Empire, even later - the Byzantine Empire.
In the Middle Ages, he passed from one owner to another, until he was in the power of the Ottoman Empire.
They say that the Amazons lived near modern Samsun.
Here is what they write about it on Wikipedia:
According to the myth, the Amazons lived on the banks of the Amazon River, near the rivers Fermodont and Iris (now Yeshilyrmak).
Historian A. B. Snisarenko believes that the area of the tribe practically coincides with the contours of the Turkish vilayets Amasya and Samsun.
From here the Amazons undertook their campaigns in Asia.
In Samsun's Bata Park, a monument was erected in memory of the ancient warriors and a "village of the Amazons" was created.
Samsun - the center of "silt" Samsun ("silt" in Turkey is called an administrative unit similar to our Russian territories or regions).
Port of Samsun is one of the largest Black Sea ports in Turkey.
There is an airport 26 kilometers from the city, where now Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of the RusLine airline fly from Krasnodar (and back), and passengers reach their destination in less than an hour.
So far, the flight connects the cities only once a week, on Saturdays, but if the new direction is in demand, the frequency of flights can be increased.
Agriculture (especially tobacco growing), food production, the chemical industry, and mechanical engineering are developed in Samsun.
This city is the most important center for the production of medical instruments in Turkey - more than 16,500 items of instruments are manufactured at the enterprises of the city.
Samsun can be called a city of health.
Medicine and its development are given special attention here. And these are not only medical productions and clinics, but also universities where highly qualified doctors are trained. Europeans, residents of Georgia and Saudi Arabia choosing high quality treatment for more low prices, in comparison with the medical centers of Israel and Europe - this is what I convey the essence of our communication with representatives of Samsun clinics.
The authorities of Samsun and the medical institutions of the city are ready to treat the Russians, promising to develop comprehensive programs that include not only examination and treatment (with the provision of an interpreter), but also flights, accommodation, meals and excursions.
Here are the three clinics we visited:
Medical Park Samsun
MEDICANA Samsun Health Group MEDICANA - detailed information there is .
Romatem Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center- detailed information is available.
We have dealt with medicine in Samsun, now we can talk about sights, etc.
What is the most interesting thing in Samsun and why go to this city - to be objective, I asked these questions not only to myself, but also to others.
I share the answers (and thanks to everyone who responded).
A colleague on the trip, Alexei (RossTour company), formulated the reasons for coming to Samsun as follows:
A close and inexpensive destination if you want:
1. To see a completely different Turkey than in Antalya and Istanbul, living for itself.
2. Guaranteed to take a break from compatriots.
3. Meet the sunrise over the Black Sea.
4. Take Tuscan photos without a Schengen visa.
5. Safely hide from fans and collectors)))
Pretty good reasons, I think.)
Raushan is a student from Kazakhstan studying Turkish in Samsun:
Samsun is the most developed city Black Sea region in Turkey!
This city ancient history, beautiful nature, rich national and cultural traditions.
The history of the city dates back many centuries. It was on this coast that the ancient Amazons settled. You can learn about their life in Baty Park.
Once in Samsun, you should definitely go to the Shahinkaya canyon to see the beauty created by nature.
And to the bird reserve of the Kyzylyrmak River Delta, where you can not only watch birds, but also fish.
In Amasya, of course. History, culture of the Ottoman Empire, museums - everything is in this city.
Elena, a resident of Samsun, whom we met through Instagram, shared useful information with me:
If we talk about the surroundings, I really like Amasya, it's 1-1.5 hours from Samsun, the places keep the legend of the local Romeo and Juliet. Also a suburb of Tekekoy, where they made an interesting territory "village of primitive man".
To Orda (2 hours drive) the longest teleferik.
But Sumela Monastery, on the way to Trabzon, is beyond competition. Of course, 4 hours one way is far, but it's worth it - picturesque tea plantations, mountains, greenery. You can clearly see with your own eyes why the region near the Black Sea is called the garden of all Turkey.
And, of course, the grandeur of the monastery itself.
In the city itself, I would mark such places as the church beautiful architecture and the ancient mosque Buyuk Jami.
Also the museum-ship of Atatürk, Gazi Museum, History and Archaeological. The promenade along the sea in Samsun is the longest in the country. The best places to eat delicious food are in Atakum - this is generally the most developed and most modern area.
The difference between it and the rest of the city, for example, immediately caught my eye.
In addition, I forgot to write about the fish street, which is easy to find "by smell")
It starts right from the Buyuk Jami mosque, if you move towards the center.
In the same place, for example, I really like the shop where they sell sugar from Erzurum, just like ours, prick with tweezers and drink tea with a piece in the cheek.
There are very good cafe-restaurant"Sevgi" on the embankment near the governorate - all the dishes are of high quality and cozy, as well as the exotic place Yabanzhi or Rus pazary, go there for authentic souvenirs and of course for the already forgotten atmosphere of the 90s with their clothing markets.
As for features, there are many.
For example, you need to know the language, and the tourist too. A household minimum is required, no one will try to understand you. People are open but conservative. As for food - Samsun pide is known to everyone, the best is served in the Amisos restaurant. They eat a lot of nuts, and fruits are not popular with the locals. But the main feature is the weather and climate, about which you can write a whole novel.
Very frequent rains, the weather sometimes changes up to five times a day.
Perhaps that is why it is believed that locals one of the strongest and healthiest, the climate hardens.
I also wanted to support the idea that medicine here is really at a high level, as you yourself saw when visiting hospitals.
It seems to me that the direction of medical tourism is promising.
Here are some reviews about Samsun.
I'll add this from myself.
Having studied the materials provided to us by the organizers, I realized that I would also like to see Ayvacik, Gelalan, Tekkiraz, Buyuklu, Kabajeviz, Kabatash waterfalls (this is in addition to what I did not have a chance to see from the above).
In addition, Samsun can be the starting point for a trip to Cappadocia, where many travelers want to go - the duration of the journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia by bus is 11 hours, from Samsun - 8 hours, which is already more pleasant.
In my opinion, based on the trip and the received additional information, a traveler who arrives in Samsun can make a trip program lasting a week (or even more), taking into account departures from the city. And this program can be very interesting.
Istanbul has already been explored by many traveling Krasnodar, and Samsun is an opportunity to see "another Turkey".
What is important - for reasonable money.
Namely on Samsun Resort - this is a great way not only to relax in Turkey, but also to get an unforgettable experience.
Samsun attracts tourists for thousands of years cultural heritage: From the Amazons to the Ottoman Empire. In this Turkish city, waterfalls, lakes, and forests are a wonderful example of nature. healing springs, traditional architecture, delicious food and festivals - all this makes Samsun a desirable place for tourists to visit.
In the north of Turkey, between the deltas of the Kyzylirmak and Yeshilirmak rivers, this region with fertile land is spread, which is also called the "Mesopotamia of the Black Sea".
Samsun is a port city that has become the cradle of many civilizations. Geographically, it consists of the following regions: Alcham, Asardzhik, Ayvadzhik, Bafra, Charshamba, Khavza, Kavak, Ladik, Ondokumais, Salypazary, Tekkekoy, Terme, Vezirkopryu, Yakakent, Ilkadim, Janik, and Atakum. It can be reached by land, air, sea and rail transport.
Do you know about it?
Legendary warlike Amazon women lived in Samsun,
. Many historical wooden buildings have been preserved in Samsun,
. The Kyzylirmak River in Samsun flows into the sea,
. In addition to the sea, sun and sand, Samsun has all the conditions for winter sports and ecotourism.
. Did you know that the National Resistance Mustafa Kemal Atatürk started in Samsun. It was in this city that the foundations of Turkish statehood were laid.
History of Samsun
V ancient world Samsun was one of the most important cities in the Paphlagonia region. The earliest settlements of Samsun date back to the Paleolithic period, as evidenced by finds found in a cave in the south of Tekkekoy. In other periods of the Stone Age, Mesolithic and Neolithic, settlements were also found here. In the Eneolithic and Bronze Ages, in the south of the city of Samsun, in the vicinity of the Dundar Tepe Khoyugyu mound, one of the civilizations existed. In the writings of the Hitites, the oldest inhabitants of Samsun are referred to as Galaskars.
In the early Bronze Age in 1200 BC, after the Gascalars, the legendary Amazons settled near the river Terme. In the 6th century BC. the ancient Greeks founded today's Samsun (Amisos) as one of the colonies of Pontus near the Black Sea, then the city came under the control of the Roman Empire.
After that, the city was in the possession of the Persians, Alexander the Great and his successors. Roman and Byzantine emperors, the Principality of Danishmentliler Beyligi and the Anatolian Seljuks. Thanks to Sultan Mehmet, the city passed into Ottoman state and one of the most important events in the history of the city was the arrival of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on May 19, 1919 and the beginning of the Turkish Liberation War. This day has been celebrated throughout Turkey since 1936 as the "Day of Youth and Sports".
Amazon Terme
In historical sources, the Amazons are found very often as warriors who do not get off their horses, using a bow, arrows and a double-sided ax (labrys) as weapons. According to legend, in order to better draw the bow, they removed their right breasts in childhood, and hence the name of the Amazon, which means "without breasts." The Izmir ancient poet Homer describes the Amazons as "resembling men" and that in the Troy War they took possession of a place near the city of Troy.
These women founded the ancient city of Terme (Themiscyra) off the coast of the Black Sea. Here they lived and they had interesting ceremonies. They say that they used men as slaves and entered into close relations with them only for procreation, and after that they were killed. They also maimed or killed male children, and girls were brought up by the same warriors as themselves.
Many sculptures and paintings around the world depict the Amazons. Among them, the most famous are sculptural composition, depicting the Amazons, made famous in the 5th century BC. sculptors Theidias, Polikleitos and Cresilas (copies of the Roman period) and the painting by Rubens "Militant Amazon".
The ancient city of Amisos
In ancient times, Samsun (Amisos) was considered central city and it went through several levels of development. In the 6th century BC. when it was a small settlement, the Milesians came here, followed by residents from Cappadocia and Foci. After that, the history of Amisos began to develop in parallel with the history of the region.
Samsun, as an important trading port of the Black Sea, since the Bronze Age (Eneolithic) (about 5000-3000 years BC) has been trading not only with central Anatolia, but also with other areas of the Black Sea coast. Here, importance was attached not only to trade and navigation, but also to art, as evidenced by theatrical buildings and masks for performances. These samples of masks, which are a symbol of the theater, have survived to this day. A magnificent mosaic and treasury of the city today is in the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of Samsun. In order to get acquainted with the ancient ruins, during a tour of the Black Sea, you can visit this ancient city of Amisos.
Fortress of Bafra Agsar and stone burials of Kaya Mezarlary
In the Kyzylyrmak valley in the village of Agsar Koyu, the ruins of antiquity are the remains of a fortress, city walls, wells and a prison. An asphalt road with stone steps dating back to 1000 BC leads to this fortress through a tunnel. This place is also attractive with the most beautiful sunsets.
Under the fortress there is a magnificent stone burial. Located in the valley of Kyzylirmak Vadis, this burial resembles a temple with columns and is a place of frequent visits.
sights
A few relatively old quarters with narrow and winding side streets can only be found around Saat Kulesi Meydani. The rest of the city is largely made up of new neighborhoods, although there are a few rather unremarkable mosques, including Hadji Khatun and pazar(XIV century). But the main attraction of the city is considered to be Archaeological Museum (open from Thursday to Sunday from 8.30 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.30, entrance - 2 TRY) with an extensive collection of Roman mosaics from Karasamsun (the acropolis of the ancient city, now - military base 3 km west of the city center). Located next door Ataturk Museum(open from Thursday to Sunday from 8.30 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.30, entrance - 2 TRY) and Ghazi Museum in the complex of the old hotel on Istiklal Caddesi (open from Thursday to Sunday from 9.00 to 17.00, entrance - 2 TRY), also dedicated to the "father of the nation".
Around the city
Much more interesting places can be found to the west of Samsun, first of all - a vast (56 thousand hectares) swampy area of the delta Kyzyl-Irmak(Bafra-Balyk-Golleri, home to over 310 species of birds out of 420 registered in Turkey), stunning sandy beaches and pastoral landscapes around the pretty town Gerze(Gerze). And to the west, the shores of the Paphlagonian coast and the peninsula already begin.
To the east of Samsun, the coastal plain becomes wider and greener right before your eyes. In ancient times, these lands were considered the kingdom of the Amazons, and the green delta of the river Yesil-Irmak often confused with Don. Now these fertile plains are the main supplier of tobacco, and the wet coastal areas are indented with channels, lagoons and marshes, considered perhaps the most popular hunting area in Turkey.
Town unye(Unye, 100 km east of Samsun) grew up on the spot ancient port Oinaion boasts a Byzantine church (now a hammam) on the main square of Cumhuriyet Meydani, many colorful old buildings from the Seljuk period, a bustling market and excellent beaches west of the city limits. Most best beach bears the exact name of Uzunkum ("Long Sand") and stretches for almost 7 km, although the rather rough sea and the lack of lifeguards somewhat interfere with its popularity. A little to the south is medieval fortress Jaleoglu, often incorrectly called Unye-Kalesi, although it has nothing to do with the city, but was founded during the time of the Pontic kingdom to control the passes and then rebuilt by the Byzantines.
On the east coast Fatsa Bay lies the town bolaman(Bolaman) - the ancient Polemon and the residence of the Khaznedaroglu family, who ruled the environs of Trabzon in the 18th-19th centuries, completely independently of Istanbul. From those times, only the ancient fortress has survived, and the town itself attracts the attention of yachtsmen - there is a good harbor and beach. And to the north is the cult place of sailors - Cape Yasun (Kiremit), where in ancient times there was a temple of Jason, in which it was necessary to make offerings to the gods before sailing in the troubled waters of the eastern Black Sea. The Byzantines rebuilt the temple into a church, which is still visible 500 meters from the road. To the east is the tiny village of Caka with one of the best sandy beaches region - Beyzakum.
Lying to the east, on the shore of the bay Horde, the city of the same name was founded by the Greeks under the name Kotorya, but almost did not retain its historical buildings. Only the recently restored nineteenth-century Greek cathedral and the Paşaoğlu-Konagı Museum (open daily from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, admission 2 TRY) and the rather dreary ethnographic museum deserve a brief look. However, the city is considered the most famous Turkish manufacturer of walnut confectionery, and its calling card is a hazelnut in chocolate, so many tourists come here specifically to visit the Sagra Nuthouse specialty store (Suleyman Felek Cad 95).
Samsun- a city in northern Turkey, the administrative center of the vilayet Samsun. Samsun is a major port on the bay Samsun Black Sea.
This Turkish city was founded by the ancient Greeks as one of the few colonies of Pontus next to the Black Sea in the sixth century. It should be noted that in the Middle Ages this city was part of the great Byzantine Empire, and then became quite an important city of the Trebizond Empire. During its existence the city Samsun passed from hand to hand more than once. Already in the fifteenth century it was part of the Ottoman Empire. Previously, all the territories of the city were inhabited by Pontic Greeks, and already from the fifteenth century the Islamization of the region began and the Turks began to rapidly populate this area. It should be noted that this city entered the history as the city in which the famous and legendary king Mithridad. The city is also known as the birthplace of the Amazons.
How to get there
- airport 25 km from international airport Sarsamba
Distances
- bus
- automobile
- water transport
- railway transport
- airplane
Transport
Nature
Lake Yakakent is located 84 km east of Samsun. This is a great place for camping and picnicking. In addition, in the vicinity of Samsun there are health-improving complexes based on hot mineral springs. And to the west of the city stretches the marshy delta of Kyzylirmak and Yeshilirmak, where more than 310 species of birds out of 420 that are found in Turkey live. One of the best sandy beaches in the region - Beyzakum is located in the tiny village of Caka. In addition to the sea, sun and sand, Samsun has all the conditions for winter sports and ecotourism.
- Seas: Black
- Lakes: Yakakent, Cham
- Rivers: Kyzylirmak, Yeshilirmak
- sandy beach
Ponds and beaches
- temperate continental
- mineral Khavza, Ladik, Khavza Imaret, Kyzgezu, Aslanagzi
Healing waters
Infrastructure
The modern city of Samsun, Turkey is popular resort on the Black Sea, in the appearance of which typical Turkish features are read. There is little European chic here, this resort is a classic personification of national color and originality, which makes Samsun a very attractive object not only for beach tourism, but also for sightseeing and educational tourism. Even in the photo, Samsun makes a very unusual impression, completely different from those that evoke landscapes of such famous resorts like Belek, Konya or, for example, Alanya. Samsun is known all over the world for its grandiose and very interesting festivals. About 16 different national and international festivals are held here every year. The most famous festival in the city is the Amazon Festival. Among the main attractions of the city of Samsun in Turkey, one can easily single out the unique Ataturk monument, which is a symbol of the city. The city has a university with about 15,000 students. In fact, it is a separate city, with educational buildings, a mosque for 10 thousand people, a hotel, a university clinic, gardens and fields of the agricultural faculty, and teachers' houses. In Samsun, due to its favorable geographical location, there is an opportunity to practice various sports. For lovers of paragliding, classes water sports sports and trekking, Samsun is the perfect place.
- waterslides
Water parks and water slides
- open
- heated
Pools
- fitness centers
beauty and health
- clothing stores
- souvenir shops
The shops
- international cuisine
- grocery stores
- restaurants
- Holidays Fun "Topkandil" in Selesepet Begins on the 19th day of the month of Ramadan, Tournament "Golden Nut"
- festivals Bafra Watermelon Festival August 22-23, Terim-Kocaman Rice Festival June 13-14, International Festival folk dances 23 – 29 July
Event entertainment
- mountaineering
- water sports
- winter sports
- sports complexes
Basic information
Modern Samsun is a purely Turkish city with about 600,000 inhabitants. The main language of the population is Turkish, but Russian and English are also used. Samsun is an important highway junction. The city has its own airport and railroad station. Samsun is the center of a large tobacco growing area, a point for the distribution of imported goods. Tobacco, food, chemical industries are developed. Mineral fertilizers are being produced in the nearby mountains. Fishing is developed in the Black Sea.
- Car code 55
- Height above sea level 4 m
- Other tour names Samsung
- Postal code 55000
- Former names Simiso, Amissus
- Religion Islam (Sunni direction)
- Phone code +90 362
- Time zone (+00:00 GMT) (+02:00 GMT), summer (+03:00 GMT)
- Population 532,000 people
- Language (official and spoken) Turkish
