AEK fans will have the chance to discover a city at the crossroads of cultures on the occasion of the match with Samsunspor on December 11.
Samsun is a city that blends deep Greek history with the modern face of a vibrant Black Sea metropolis. Founded by settlers from Miletus in the mid-8th century BC, it was originally called Amisos. Its current name derives from the medieval expression eis Amison, which gradually became Samsun and Samsounta.
Built between the sea and dense forests, Samsun is today one of the most important metropolises of Pontus. A port that once thrived on trade and the tobacco industry, it continues to grow as a cultural and tourism center of Turkey. The city offers sights, routes and strolls, as well as a unique football experience for those traveling there for the match. AEK will face Samsunspor on December 11 for the 5th matchday of the League Phase of the Conference League at «Samsun 19 May Stadium». With this as your cue, you can get to know Samsun better, this historic city of Pontus.
Sights and strolls in Samsun
Samsun Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
This is one of the city’s most important attractions, with exhibits from ancient Amisos and the wider Pontus region. Vases, figurines, jewelry and finds from the Hellenistic tombs of Amisos give visitors a clear picture of the peoples who passed through this land: Ionians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans and Byzantines.
Amisos Hill
Amisos Hill is an archaeological site offering panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea. The site includes ancient burial mounds and ruins from the Hellenistic period, offering a fascinating glimpse into Samsun’s historical significance. The ascent is easy by cable car, an experience worth it for the ride alone.
Bandırma Ship
A standout in the city is Bandırma, the faithful replica of the ship that carried Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to Samsun in 1919. It is a museum of great historical significance for the Turks, depicting the political landscape of the early 20th century.
Atatürk Park and Monument
Atatürk Park is an impressive green space in the heart of Samsun, with a monument dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The park is a popular spot for a stroll for both locals and visitors to the city.
Atakum Beach
The area around Atakum Beach is the modern heart of the city. Along the seafront boulevard you’ll find cafes, restaurants, a cycle path and space for walking. All around you’ll find plenty of options for food and coffee, from modern to traditional restaurants.
Amazon Köyü
Within the İlkadım Batıpark theme park lies a village dedicated to the Amazons who, according to tradition, lived in the area. Statues, exhibits and reconstructions create a distinctive experience, depicting the everyday life of these brave warrior women.
Kızılırmak Delta
A lovely excursion is the Kızılırmak Delta, an important wetland formed by Turkey’s longest river. It is a haven for hundreds of bird species and an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Flavors of Samsun
The city’s gastronomy is influenced by the Black Sea region, as well as the Balkans and the Caucasus. In Samsun you’ll savor hearty dishes based on seafood and meat, while there are many vegetable-forward recipes. Well-known in the Black Sea region are cabbage soup, stuffed cabbage leaves, pickled beans, fried beans and kuymak made from corn flour. Also noteworthy are traditional meat pies, along with dishes such as keşkek, the traditional festive dish based on meat and wheat, which is also found in parts of Greece.
