Panoramic view of Samsun, Turkey, on the coast of the Black Sea. Capital of Samsun Province and important Port. Former Greek colony (BC). Captured by Seljuks in 1200. A Genoese trading post - taken by Ottomans in 15th century. Important trade centre - specialising in tobacco, booming after the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century. (see 10610423)