Samsun (then known as Amisos) was settled in about 760–750 BC by Ionians from Miletus, who established a flourishing trade relationship with the ancient peoples of Anatolia.

During the late Ottoman Empire, Samsun had some docklands but was generally a poorly developed and antiquated port.

[4] Although an agreement was signed with the British to construct a port, progress on the project was halted due to the start of the First World War.

[5] The port serves export, import cargoe and transit traffic to Iran and Iraq.

[6] Samsun is also well located for the cargo ships destined to the Middle East from continental Europe through Rhine-Main-Danube Canal.