Samsun is a significant port city and the provincial capital of Samsun Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey. It is located on the north coast of Turkey, along the Black Sea, acting as an important hub for trade and commerce due to its port. The city boasts a population of over half a million people and serves as a key economic, transport, and cultural center for its region, with a hinterland rich in agriculture and industry. Its name supposedly comes from the Amazon warriors, who are said to have founded the city, reflecting the area's rich and diverse historical tapestry. Samsun has seen the influence of different civilizations, including Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, each leaving their cultural imprints on the city. The city features landmarks such as the Atatürk Monument and the Gazi Museum, commemorating Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, which marked the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence. The city enjoyed a diversified economy that comprises agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It is also home to Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), one of Turkey's major higher education institutions. Historically, Samsun and its surroundings have been inhabited since ancient times, with settlements dating back to at least the Hittite period. In mythology, the city was associated with the Amazon warriors, an ancient tribe of female warriors. Throughout history, Samsun has been a contested region due to its strategic importance and fertile lands. Agriculturally, the region around Samsun is rich with tobacco farms, and tea and hazelnut plantations, contributing to the nation's economy significantly. Samsun’s culture is a blend of traditional Turkish customs and modern influences, with picturesque landscapes that include the banks of the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak rivers, the delta of which provides habitat for diverse wildlife and is a protected area. The city's cuisine reflects a rich array of Black Sea flavors with dishes such as Mihlama (cornmeal cheese porridge), fried anchovies, and Akçaabat meatballs being regionally renowned. Samsun is diverse demographically, with various neighborhoods reflecting the socioeconomic spectrum. The younger population often attends its universities, and a significant number of residents work in the agricultural, manufacturing, or service industries. Transportation in Samsun is facilitated by its modern transport infrastructure, including Samsun-Çarşamba Airport, major highways, railway connections, and a light rail system within the city. The port of Samsun remains a critical element of the city's economic life, accommodating the export and import of goods for the region. In summary, Samsun is a vibrant city with deep historical roots and a strong cultural heritage. It is a city that reflects the changes of time while maintaining the traditions particular to the Black Sea region of Turkey. The city's efforts to balance modernity with its historical and cultural heritage make it an interesting and dynamic part of Turkey.