Türkiye's Philadelphia

It was from here that the beloved founder of modern Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, launched the Turkish War of Independence following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Even the local university, Ondokuzmayıs Üniversitesi (own-doe-kooz-my-is oo-nee-vare-see-te-see) or "19th of May University", is named for the date that Atatürk landed in the city in 1919. Legend says that in ancient times, the city was home to the Amazon women warriors--a legacy the city has sought to capitalize on with tourists. Today, the city serves Türkiye as a major industrial seaport, and it is also quickly becoming a major shopping and conference destination. In addition to the newly completed four level shopping mall, Piazza, the city has attracted several luxury hotels, including Anemon, Serra, and Sheraton. Samsun has fabulous green spaces that include a large park, aerial tramway, and even a go-cart track.

Click through the gallery below to explore!

The city's iconic statue of Atatürk

Spring tulips in the Cumhuriyet Meydanı

Sunset over Samsun

Sunset over Atakum

Reflection of the Atatürk statue

Samsun has some great shopping opportunities including the new Piazza mall--the Black Sea's largest--and this outdoor, renovated tobacco plant known as Bulvar