Located in the northeastern region of Turkey, Samsun lies between two river deltas where the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak rivers meet.
Samsun boasts a rich and fascinating history, surrounded by legends that date back millennia. Ancient tales suggest that the eastern delta of Samsun was once home to the Amazons, a fierce tribe of female warriors known for their archery skills, who were said to remove one breast to improve their aim. The word 'Amazon' originates from an old Greek term meaning 'without breast.'
The myth of the Amazons traces back to approximately 1200 BC. While little concrete information exists about their origin or lifestyle, stories of these warrior women endured beyond the Greek invasions, with their homeland believed to be near the world’s largest river.
By the 3rd century BC, Samsun was incorporated into the Kingdom of Pontus, which initially emerged from the empire established by the legendary conqueror Alexander the Great. At its zenith, the Kingdom of Pontus governed nearly two-thirds of present-day Turkey along with several key trading cities on the northern Black Sea coast.
Subsequently, Samsun came under the rule of the Romans, followed by the Byzantines. Later, it was taken over by the Seljuks and integrated into the Ilkhanid Mongol principality, before becoming part of a Genoese trade network. Ultimately, in the 15th century, Samsun was absorbed into the Ottoman Empire.
Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the empire was left devastated. The victorious Entente powers occupied Istanbul and much of Anatolia. Greece aimed to seize Smyrna, France sought control over the Hatay region and Syria, while Italy targeted southeastern Anatolia. Meanwhile, the British had already taken over Arabia, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq before withdrawing to their homelands.
Anatolia was plunged into chaos, with Ottoman remnants alongside Greek and Turkish bandits maintaining control over parts of the region. British forces attempted to restore stability, having already secured the southern part of Anatolia. However, efforts to reestablish order were still necessary in the northern areas.
After his victory at the Battle of Gallipoli, Ottoman General Mustafa Kemal was appointed Inspector General of all troops in Anatolia. Realizing a return to Istanbul was unlikely, he established his base near Samsun and traveled extensively throughout the region to raise awareness about the Greek and Italian invasions. He organized mass meetings and connected with various nationalist groups by sending protest telegrams to foreign embassies, highlighting issues such as British reinforcements and their support for Greek bandits.
However, British and French officers kept a close watch on him, with British warships stationed nearby to monitor his movements. After spending a week in Samsun, Mustafa Kemal and his team moved inland to Havza, approximately 53 miles away, then proceeded to Amasya, about 85 kilometers (53 miles) from there. It was in Amasya that Mustafa Kemal proclaimed the war of independence, marking a crucial turning point in Turkey’s history.
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