Samsun (Province)

Samsun, located on Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, is a cultural and economic hub linked to important. Founded as a colony in the 6th century BCE under the name city, it became a major port city during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Its historical identity was solidified when, on 19 May 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk launched the War of Independence from place. Today Samsun lies at the intersection of agriculture, trade and tourism; the Kızılırmak Delta, Şahinkaya Canyon and Amisos Hill attract attention with their natural and historical sites. Regional delicacies such as Bafra and Çarşamba pide and Çakallı menemen contribute to its gastronomic richness. With its strong infrastructure, transportation network and academic institutions, it stands out as one of the most developed cities in the Black Sea region.

History

Ancient Era and Early Settlements

The history of Samsun begins with its status as one of the oldest settlement areas on the Black Sea coast. Founded in the early 6th century BCE by the Milesians as a colony named Amisos, the city came under the rule of various civilizations including the Cappadocians, Phocaeans and Athenians. Particularly during the Athenian period, the city expanded rapidly and became an important trade center. Its first inhabitants were merchants and seafarers engaged in commerce. Known as a port city, Amisos was situated along a vital trade route leading inland. During the Hellenistic period, Period came under the control of the Kingdom of Pontus and developed into a significant cultural and economic center.

Roman and Byzantine Period

Amisos came under Roman rule in 64 BCE and was rebuilt and strengthened by the Romans. During the Roman era, the city became one of the largest trade centers on the Black Sea, where people engaged in agriculture, seafaring and commerce. In the 4th century CE, after the division of the Roman Empire, Samsun remained within Byzantine territory. During this period, the city continued to function as a strategically important port for military and commercial purposes. Christianity began to spread during this era, and Samsun became a religiously significant center for Byzantium. Byzantine dominance in the region began to weaken due to invasions and the entry of Turks into Anatolia.

Seljuk and Beylik Period

After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Turks rapidly settled in Anatolia and the inland portion of Samsun came under Seljuk control. However, their definitive dominance over the region was established in the 12th century. During this period, the city frequently changed hands between the Trabzon Greek Empire, the Danişmendids and Seljuks. In the 13th century, Samsun came under the control of the Anatolian Seljuk State and continued to develop commercially, becoming one of the key port cities. Under the Seljuks, Samsun was regarded as a center ensuring the security of trade routes, and caravanserais, hans and madrasas were constructed there.

Ottoman Period

As the Ottomans began consolidating their authority in Anatolia during the 14th century, Samsun’s strategic location attracted the attention of Ottoman sultans. In 1420, under the rule of Sultan Murad II, Samsun was incorporated into Ottoman territory.

During the Ottoman period, Samsun rose to prominence through agriculture, trade and seafaring activities. The Ottomans constructed port facilities and trade routes to transform the city into a commercial hub. Additionally, tobacco production experienced significant growth during this period, and Samsun became an important center in the Ottoman Empire’s tobacco trade.

National Struggle and War of Independence

19 May 1919 became one of the most pivotal dönüm points in the history of Samsun and Türkiye. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ignited the spark of the War of Independence by landing in Samsun. Samsun was a city not occupied by foreign forces but subjected to pressure by the Allied Powers after the Armistice of Mudros. Atatürk’s arrival in Samsun transformed the city into the site of the first step of the War of Independence and the starting point of the national resistance movement. Basin Circular and Amasya Circular were among the key decisions issued from this city.

Republican Era and Contemporary Samsun

After the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye, Samsun rapidly developed into an industrial, commercial and agricultural center. In the early years of the Republic, agriculture and seafaring were prioritized; in subsequent decades, major advances were made in industry and tourism. Today, Samsun stands out as one of the largest and most developed cities in Black Sea Region. With its Modern port, industrial facilities, universities and tourist destinations, it continues to hold major historical and economic significance.

Geographical Structure

Location and Boundaries

Samsun is located in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye, within the boundaries of the Central Black Sea Section. The city lies between 41°17′ north latitude and 36°20′ east longitude and borders Army to the east, Sinop to the west, Amasya and Tokat to the south. It has a 150-kilometer coastline along the Black Sea. Samsun is one of Türkiye’s most important port cities and holds a strategic position along the coast for sea trade.

Landforms and Geological Structure

Samsun’s geographical structure includes diverse topographic units rising from the coast toward inland areas. Coastal plains, mountainous and rugged terrain, and plateaus form the main landforms of the province.

• Coastal Plains: The Bafra and Çarşamba Plains, running parallel to the Black Sea coast, constitute the province’s largest agricultural areas. These plains were formed by alluvial deposits from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak rivers and are among Türkiye’s most fertile agricultural soils.
• Mountains and Elevations: The Canik Mountains lie in the southern part of Samsun. These mountains rise from the coast toward inland areas, reaching an average elevation of 1,500 meters. Akdağ (2,062 m) is the highest peak in the Canik Mountains.
• Plateaus and High Pastures: Plateaus are common in the inland areas around Havza, Vezirköprü and Ladik. High pastures are found in and around Ladik district, where transhumance activities are carried out especially during summer months.

Samsun was formed by the tectonic movements of the Black Sea and has a geological structure covered by alluvial soils, limestone formations and volcanic rocks. Landslides and erosion events are frequently observed along the coast.

Rivers and Lakes

Samsun is located at the point where two of Türkiye’s major rivers, the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak, empty into the sea.

• Kızılırmak: Türkiye’s longest river, the Kızılırmak flows into the Black Sea through the Bafra Plain. The alluvial deposits it carries provide significant agricultural productivity for the province.
• Yeşilırmak: Flowing through Tokat and Amasya, the Yeşilırmak reaches the Black Sea via the Çarşamba Plain.
• Ladik Lake: Formed by tectonic movements, this lake is located in Ladik district of Samsun and is an important area for water sports and fishing.
• Hasan Uğurlu and Suat Uğurlu Dam Lakes: These dams on the Yeşilırmak are of great importance for electricity generation, irrigation and drinking water supply.

Climate and Vegetation

Samsun lies under the influence of the Black Sea climate, characterized by mild and rainy weather throughout the year.

• Temperatures: The annual average temperature is 14°C, ranging from 25–30°C in summer and 0–10°C in winter.
• Precipitation: Annual rainfall ranges between 750–1,000 mm, with higher amounts occurring in autumn and winter.
• Snowfall: Snowfall is common during winter months, particularly in inland and high-altitude areas.
• Humidity: The annual average humidity level is approximately 75%.

Samsun’s plant cover reflects the characteristics of the Black Sea flora. Coastal areas are dominated by broadleaf forests (oak, chestnut, beech, linden), while higher elevations feature coniferous forests (fir, fir, pine). Agricultural activities are intensive in the coastal plains, while steppe vegetation prevails in inland areas.

Natural Hazards and Risks

Although Samsun is not directly on the Black Sea fault line, it faces significant risks of landslides and salt.

• Landslides: Particularly frequent in the mountainous areas of Canik and Kavak districts. Heavy rainfall causes soil saturation and slope failures.
• Floods: The coastal strip, especially the deltas of the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak rivers and the city center, is vulnerable to flooding.

With these geographical characteristics, Samsun stands out as one of Türkiye’s important cities due to its agricultural production, natural beauty, water resources and climatic advantages.

Economic Structure

Agriculture and Livestock

Samsun is one of Türkiye’s most productive agricultural regions, with extensive farmland. The fertile soils under the influence of the Black Sea climate are suitable for the production of wheat, maize, sunflower, vegetables and fruit. Additionally, the Bafra and Çarşamba Plains, among Türkiye’s major rice-producing centers, play a critical role in rice cultivation. Hazelnut production is also significant and contributes substantially to the common economy. The livestock sector is prominent in large-scale animal husbandry and buffalo farming. Samsun is one of the regions in Türkiye where buffalo farming is most concentrated, known especially for buffalo milk and dairy products. Buffalo farming in the Kızılırmak Delta is one of the main main sources for dairy production in Bafra and surrounding areas.

Industry and Trade

The industrial sector holds a significant place in Samsun’s economic structure. Industrial activities are concentrated in iron and steel, automotive ancillary industries, food processing, agricultural machinery and medical industries on. The Samsun Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) supports employment by providing infrastructure for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Samsun, one of Türkiye’s leading centers for surgical instrument production, holds an important position in medical manufacturing for the health sector. Through the Samsun Medical Industry Cluster (MEDİKÜM), medical equipment exports play a strategic role in the region’s economic development. In addition, Samsun Port is one of the largest trade and logistics centers in the Black Sea region. The port occupies a critical position in national and international trade, primarily handling agricultural products, mining outputs and industrial raw materials. The Samsun Free Zone contributes to the growth of foreign trade by offering advantageous commercial areas for investors.

Tourism and Service Sector

Samsun is also a developing tourism destination, increasing tourism revenues through its historical, cultural and natural assets. Health tourism, nature tourism and cultural tourism are prominent. Particularly in coast areas such as Atakum and Yakakent, summer tourism has developed, and Samsun’s coastline attracts intense interest from both domestic and foreign tourists. Moreover, Samsun’s status as an important center for health tourism contributes to the growth of the service sector. Private hospitals and medical centers in the region provide healthcare services to patients from neighboring environment provinces, enhancing economic activity.

Energy and Mining

Samsun stands out in energy production through hydroelectric power plants. The Suat Uğurlu and Hasan Uğurlu Dams contribute significantly to the regional economy through electricity generation and irrigation projects. The mining sector is also an important component of the city’s economy. Samsun, with reserves of Coal and marble, is evaluated for mining activities. Additionally, the extraction and processing of various industrial raw materials support local production. Alongside its strong agricultural and livestock infrastructure, Samsun demonstrates significant development in industry, trade, tourism and energy sectors. As one of the economic centers of the Black Sea Region, Samsun continues to contribute to Türkiye’s economy through its strategic location and logistical advantages.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Samsun is one of the most important transportation hubs in the Black Sea Region and is a well-developed city in terms of land, air, sea and rail infrastructure.

Road Network

Samsun holds a strategic position along the Black Sea Coastal Highway and roads connecting Inner Anatolia to the Black Sea. The Samsun-Ankara, Samsun-Istanbul and Samsun-Ordu highways form the main road corridors of the region. Additionally, the city’s ring roads and connection roads are continuously improved to ease urban traffic.

Air Transport

Air transport in the city is provided by Samsun Çarşamba Airport. Regular flights operate to major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir, while international flights connect to Germany, Azerbaijan and Middle Eastern countries. The airport has been operating with international status since 1998, and passenger capacity increases annually.

Railway

Samsun is one of the key railway nodes in Türkiye. The Samsun-Sivas railway line provides freight and passenger transport between Inner Anatolia and the Black Sea. Various projects are underway to modernize railway transportation. Particularly in freight transport, rail logistics connected to the port are of great importance.

Maritime Transport

Samsun Port is one of the largest ports in the Black Sea and plays a critical role in Türkiye’s foreign trade with Black Sea countries. The port facilitates international cargo transport and holds major significance for the logistics sector. Additionally, through Ro-Ro transport, it is an essential component of trade between Europe and Central Asia.

Energy Infrastructure

Samsun has diverse energy sources. Hydroelectric power plants such as Hasan Uğurlu and Suat Uğurlu Dams are major energy sources, while renewable energy investments are increasing. Projects targeting alternative energy sources such as wind energy and sun energy are strengthening Samsun’s energy infrastructure.

Water and Sewerage Infrastructure

The city’s water needs are met by dams and groundwater sources. Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (SASKİ) manages water supply and treatment services. Modern wastewater treatment facilities are in place, and infrastructure is continuously improved.

Information and Communication Infrastructure

Samsun is among Türkiye’s advanced cities in fiber optical network infrastructure, offering high-speed fast internet and mobile communication services with wide coverage. Technology parks and R&D centers are being established to strengthen the city’s information infrastructure.

Health Infrastructure

Samsun serves as the region’s healthcare center, offering advanced medical services through state and private hospitals. Samsun University Education and Research Hospital, Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, and various private hospitals form a vital health infrastructure for patients from surrounding provinces. Additionally, Samsun’s leading position in medical industry production supports the growth of the healthcare sector.

Educational and Cultural Infrastructure

The city hosts higher education institutions such as Ondokuz Mayıs University and Samsun University. Various vocational schools, research institutes and cultural centers strengthen educational and culture infrastructure. Cultural structures such as Samsun City Museum, Gazi Museum and Archaeology Museum are essential components in preserving the city’s historical and cultural identity.

Samsun possesses one of the most advanced infrastructure systems in the Black Sea Region, with significant investments in transportation, energy, water, information, health and education. The city’s strategic location, port and transportation networks contribute to the development of economic and commercial activities, while continuous renewal and improvement of infrastructure provide strong momentum for Samsun’s sustainable development.

Samsun cuisine features a unique culinary culture shaped by the fertile lands and rich water resources of the Black Sea. Its wide range, from seafood to meat dishes, from pastries to desserts, reflects the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Geographically positioned between the Black Sea and Inner Anatolia, Samsun cuisine has been influenced by both culinary traditions and has developed distinctive flavors using local agricultural products and traditional cooking methods.

Cuisine and Dishes

Samsun cuisine features a unique culinary culture shaped by the fertile lands and rich water resources of the Black Sea. Its wide range, from seafood to meat dishes, from pastries to desserts, reflects the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Geographically positioned between the Black Sea and Inner Anatolia, Samsun cuisine has been influenced by both culinary traditions and has developed distinctive flavors using local agricultural products and traditional cooking methods.

Seafood

Samsun’s location on the Black Sea coast has made seafood a cornerstone of its cuisine. Fish plays a major role in the daily nutrition habits of the local population.

• Hamsi: Hamsi, prepared in various cooking methods in Samsun cuisine, is consumed fried, grilled, steamed or with pilaf.
• Palamut and Lüfer: Palamut and lüfer, important fish species of the Black Sea, are typically grilled or baked.
• Fish Soup: A nourishing soup prepared with abundant vegetables, commonly consumed during the cold winter days of the region.

Meat Dishes

In addition to seafood, meat dishes are also very common in Samsun cuisine. Dishes made with goose, lamb and beef create distinctive local flavors.

• Kaz Tiridi: This dish, prepared especially in rural areas during winter, consists of boiled goose meat served with yufka and pilaf.
• Kuyu Kebabı: Lamb meat cooked slowly over low heat in a tandır oven is one of Samsun’s special delicacies.
• Meat-Stuffed Grape Leaves: The classic Black Sea dish of stuffed grape leaves is prepared in Samsun with minced meat filling.

Pastries and Pides

Samsun is especially famous for its pides. The pides made in the city differ in preparation methods and ingredients.

• Bafra Pide: Known for its thin dough and generous toppings, this pide is typically prepared with minced meat or pastırma. Butter is generously brushed on top before serving after baking.
• Çarşamba Pide: This variety, with its soft and short texture, differs from other pides as the filling is added raw before baking.
• Terme Pide: Known for its wide and soft dough, Terme pide is usually prepared with cooked minced meat or cheese filling.

Desserts and Syrup-Based Treats

Desserts hold an important place in Samsun cuisine, especially during special occasions and guest receptions.

• Çarşamba Kıvratması: This dessert, prepared with abundant hazelnuts and walnuts, is served without syrup.
• Bafra Nokulu: A traditional dessert made with walnuts and dried grapes, commonly enjoyed during tea time.
• Kaymaklı Lokum: A famous dessert from Bafra, made with buffalo cream, offering a light and satisfying flavor.

Soups and Regional Dishes

Soups are one of the most important elements of Black Sea cuisine. Samsun soups are typically enriched with grains, meat and vegetables.

• Haluçka Soup: Made with dough pieces, chickpeas and chicken meat, this soup is commonly consumed during winter months.
• Keşkek: A traditional dish made by long-cooking wheat, meat and chickpeas. Prepared in many districts of Samsun during weddings and holidays.
• Milk Keşkek Soup: A nourishing soup made with cracked wheat and milk.

Grain Products and Bread Varieties

The region’s grain products stand out with their unique texture characteristic of Black Sea cuisine.

• Samsun Simit: Made by boiling dough in hot pekmez, this simit is known for its crisp texture and is commonly consumed with tea.
• Maize Bread: One of the indispensable bread varieties of the Black Sea, often eaten with hamsi and other seafood.
• Maize Çörek: A filling pastry made from baked maize flour.

Beverages

Samsun cuisine is also notable for its traditional beverages.

• Tirit Ayran: A special ayran consumed with kaz tiridi.
• Hazelnut Sherbet: One of the region’s unique beverages based on its hazelnut production.
• Demirhindi Sherbet: A sherbet inherited from Ottoman cuisine, served on special occasions at Samsun tables.

Samsun cuisine is an original culinary tradition enriched by nature’s offerings and developed over centuries through the influence of diverse cultures. With its wide flavor of seafood, meat dishes, pastries and desserts, Samsun holds significant potential for gastronomy tourism.

Historical Structures

Samsun has hosted many civilizations throughout history, preserving traces of diverse architectural and cultural structures to the present day. The city’s historical structures reflect both Ottoman and earlier periods, while monuments reflecting Samsun’s role in the National Struggle were constructed during the Republican era. Samsun’s historical structures encompass a wide variety, from archaeological sites to religious buildings, from monuments to museums.

Structures from the Ancient Period

Samsun and its surroundings have been home to important settlement areas since antiquity. The Amisos Ancient City is one of the region’s most significant archaeological sites.

• Amisos Ancient City: Founded by the Milesians in the 6th century BCE, this ancient city later came under the control of the Persians, the Kingdom of Pontus and the Romans. The tumuli and burial structures found today on Amisos Hill are the most important remains of this ancient city.
• Asarkale and Rock Tombs: Dating to the Hellenistic period, these structures are located in Bafra district and were built for defense purposes. The castle and rock tombs used during the Roman and Byzantine periods offer visitors both historical and natural beauty.

Structures from the Ottoman Period

During the Ottoman period, Samsun, situated along important trade routes, saw the construction of many inn, bathhouse, mosques and bridge.

• Bekdemir Çivisiz Mosque: Located in Kavak district of Samsun, this mosque was entirely constructed in 1596 from oak wood without any nails. It reflects traditional Ottoman architecture through its woodwork and decorations.
• Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Mosque: Built in the 17th century by Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmet Paşa, this mosque is one of the finest examples of classical Ottoman architecture.
• Çetinkaya Bridge: Constructed in the early Republican period, this bridge preserves the historical fabric of the district. With its seven arches, the bridge remains structurally sound.
• Vezirköprü Houses: These traditional wooden houses, bearing traces of Ottoman architecture, stand out with their unique stone-and-wood frame construction. Built with wood and lime plaster craftsmanship, they reflect the region’s cultural heritage.

Structures from the National Struggle and Republican Era

Samsun played a major role in the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye. Numerous building and monuments commemorate the National Struggle initiated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s landing on 19 May 1919.

• Bandırma Vapuru and National Struggle Open-Air Museum: A full-scale replica of the Bandırma Vapuru, on which Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his companions arrived in Samsun, has been converted into a museum to allow visitors to experience the spirit of the National Struggle.
• Gazi Museum (Mantika Palas Hotel): The Mantika Palas Hotel, where Atatürk stayed upon arriving in Samsun, was converted into a museum in 1924 and opened to the public. Exhibits include Atatürk’s personal belongings and documents from the period.
• Havza Atatürk House and Museum: This historic building, where Atatürk traveled after 19 May 1919 to organize the people for the National Struggle, now serves as a museum.
• Sadi Tekkesi Kuvayı Milliye Museum: One of the key locations where important decisions of the War of Independence were made, Sadi Tekkesi has been restored and converted into the Kuvayı Milliye Museum.

Museums and Cultural Structures

Museums are of great importance for gaining a deeper understanding of Samsun’s rich history.

• Samsun City Museum: This museum provides detailed information on the city’s history, culture, economy and architecture, presenting Samsun’s past chronologically to visitors.
• Samsun Archaeology and Ethnography Museum: This museum houses numerous artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods and is especially notable for the Amisos Treasure.
• Alaçam Population Exchange Museum: Türkiye’s first population exchange museum, it displays documents and artifacts related to the 1923 population exchange.
• Surgeon’s Instruments and Health Museum: One of the rare museums in Türkiye reflecting developments in the health sector, it exhibits patient care equipment, prostheses and medical instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Bafra Tobacco Museum: This museum, dedicated to tobacco production—a major part of Samsun’s economic history—is equipped with visual narratives on tobacco farming and processing.

Bridges and Monuments

• Kurt Bridge: Located in Vezirköprü district, this bridge lies along the Silk Road route and is an excellent example of Seljuk stone masonry.
• Eynel Bridge: Located in Ayvacık district, this bridge spans the Hasan and Suat Uğurlu dam lakes and was constructed as part of rural development projects.

Modern and Thematic Areas

• Amazon Village: This artificial village reflects Samsun’s mythological past and was created to introduce legendary Amazon warrior women. The village features representative statues of Amazon warriors and visual depictions of their daily lives.
• Tekkeköy Caves: Among the oldest known settlement areas in the Black Sea, the Tekkeköy Caves are dated between 10,000 and 60,000 BCE.

Samsun is one of Türkiye’s important cities reflecting its deep historical roots through its historical structures. It offers a rich exploration experience for history enthusiasts through its ancient heritage as well as Ottoman and Republican-era buildings. This historical heritage, scattered across various parts of the city, is among the most important factors enhancing Samsun’s tourism potential.

Administration

Governorship

The Samsun Governorship is managed by a g governor appointed by the central government of the Republic of Türkiye. The governorship is responsible for implementing administrative and security services, maintaining public order, and applying the state’s general policies. It coordinates various state institutions to ensure the effective delivery of public services.

Former Governors

• Ahmet Fahrettin Bey (1924–1926)
• Kâzım İnanç (1926–1931)
• İbrahim Ethem Akıncı (1931)
• Salim Gündoğan (1931–1932)
• Mustafa Arif Akgün (1932–1935)
• Fahrettin Kiper (1935)
• Fuat Tuksal (1935–1940)
• Mehmet Avni Doğan (1940–1941)
• İbrahim Ethem Aykut (1941–1942)
• Hasan Faik Türel (1942–1943)
• Rüknettin Nasuhioğlu (1943–1946)
• Orhan Sami Güvenç (1946–1948)
• İzzettin Çağpar (1948–1950)
• Haşim İşcan (1950–1951)
• Turgut Babaoğlu (1951–1952)
• Cemal Dinç (1952–1953)
• Turgut Başkaya (1953–1956)
• Nihat Danışman (1956–1958)
• Alaettin Eriş (1958–1959)
• Cavit Okyayuz (1959–1960)
• Mustafa Rauf İnan (1960)
• Fahrettin Erverdi (1960–1962)
• Hamdi Ömeroğlu (1962–1966)
• Enver Saatçigil (1966–1968)
• Ertuğrul Ünlüer (1968–1970)
• Hüseyin Meydanoğlu (1970–1971)
• Haydar Özkın (1971–1975)
• Fahamettin Altun (1975–1978)
• Ertuğrul Süer (1978)
• Ahmet Rıfat Kaplan (1978–1979)
• Mehmet Karasarlıoğlu (1979–1980)
• Altay Utkan (1980–1982)
• Bedri Nazlıoğlu (1982–1984)
• Mustafa Gönül (1984–1985)
• Mehmet Erdoğan Cebeci (1985–1991)
• Yüksel Çavuşoğlu (1991–1992)
• Şinasi Kuş (1992–1995)
• Yüksel Çavuşoğlu (1996–1998)
• Metin İlyas Aksoy (1998–2000)
• Muammer Güler (2000–2003)
• Mustafa Demir (2003–2006)
• Hasan Basri Güzeloğlu (2006–2010)
• Hüseyin Aksoy (2010–2014)
• İbrahim Şahin (2014–2017)
• Osman Kaymak (2017–2020)
• Zülkif Dağlı (2020–2023)
• Orhan Tavlı (2023– )

Municipality

Samsun, as a metropolitan municipality, is governed by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality. The metropolitan municipality is responsible for urban planning, transportation, infrastructure and environmental regulation in the province.

Former Mayors

Ottoman Period

• Emrullah Efendi (1869)
• Mehmet Kaptan Ağa (1869–1872)
• Hacı İsmail Efendi (1872–1878)
• Hasan Tahsin Efendi (1879–1881)
• Mahmut Bey (1881–1883)
• Müftüzade Halim Efendi (1883–1889)
• Mustafa Efendi (1890–1896)
• Şişboyun Ahmet Rağıp Efendi (1896–1904)
• Hacı Hafız Reşat Efendi (1904–1905)
• Gebilizade Mustafa Necip Efendi (1905–1907)
• Şükrü Efendi (1907–1908)
• Papasoğlu Yorgaki Efendi (1908–1909)
• Gebilizade Mustafa Necip Efendi (1909–1914)
• Kansızzade Osman Hayri Bey (1914–1919)
• Ahmet Efendi (1919)
• Ali Rıza Bey (1919–1920)
• Nihat Bey (1920–1921)
• Pepelek Hasan Efendi (1921–1922)
• Ömer Bey (1922)

Republican Period

• Şefik Avni Özüdoğru (1922–1924)
• Boşnakzade Ahmet Resai Bey (1924–1925)
• Şefik Avni Özüdoğru (1925)
• İbrahim Veysi Bey (1925)
• Ömer Niyazi Karataş (1925)
• Çubukçuzade Mehmet Suphi Bey (1925–1927)
• Yelkencizade Şükrü Bey (1927–1928)
• Hacızade Rüstem Bey (1928)
• Rahmi Taşhan (1928–1929)
• Hacı Hüseyinzade Baha Bey (1929)
• Faik Bey (1929–1930)
• Boşnakzade Ahmet Resai Bey (1930–1931)
• Faik Bey (1931)
• Kefelizade Sami Bey (1931–1932)
• Kefelizade İhsan Bey (1932–1934)
• Hasan Umur (1934)
• Nazif Biğat (1934–1935)
• Hüsnü Yeğen (1935)
• Naşit Fırat (1935–1938)
• Necmettin Divitçioğlu (1938–1940)
• Rüstem Mesutoğlu (1940–1942)
• Mümtaz Arkayın (1942–1943)
• Ahmet Eymir (1943–1946)
• Muhittin Özkefeli (1946–1948)
• Sami Arım (1948–1950)
• İsmail Yurtsever (1950)
• Nurettin Ceritoğlu (1950–1951)
• Hamit Erip Kember (1951–1953)
• Nüzhet Ulusoy (1953–1957)
• Muzaffer Uzar (1957–1960)

Metropolitan Mayors (1993–Present)

• Muzaffer Önder (1993–1999)
• Yusuf Ziya Yılmaz (1999–2018)
• Zihni Şahin (2018–2019)
• Mustafa Demir (2019–2024)
• Halit Doğan (2024– )

Districts

Samsun, with its metropolitan status, is divided into a total of 17 districts, each governed by its own municipality. The districts vary in economic and social structure.

Districts of Samsun

1. İlkadım
2. Atakum
3. Canik
4. Tekkeköy
5. Bafra
6. Çarşamba
7. Vezirköprü
8. Havza
9. Alaçam
10. Asarcık
11. Ayvacık
12. Kavak
13. Ladik
14. Salıpazarı
15. Terme
16. Yakakent
17. 19 Mayıs