The hosts were presented with a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 13th minute but Kemal Ademi who was teed up by Jimmy Durmaz failed to beat goalkeeper Altay Bayindir - who punched for a corner kick.
Six minutes later, Fenerbahce took the initiative after Thiam profited from a Mesut Ozil free-kick from the right cross to drill past goalkeeper Aykut Ozer.
That goal was a reality check for the hosts who in turn dominated ball possession. Even at that, they were unable to break the rigid backline of Bulut’s squad.
Thiam was close to doubling his team’s effort in the 39th minute but the Senegal international’s shot off a rebound from Ozil’s shot was cleared by Aykut.
Samatta, meanwhile, came off the bench to make his ninth Super Lig appearance since teaming up with Fenerbahce in the summer on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.
The Tanzania international gave a good account of himself to help his side secure their 10th league win of the season.
Sinan Gumus opened the scoring for the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium outfit as early as the 12th minute after he was set up by Ozan Tufan.
Fenerbahce were handed an opportunity to double their lead in the 67th minute from the penalty spot but Enner Valencia missed his strike.
Dimitris Pelkas then increased the Yellow Canaries’ lead in the 70th minute, firing his strike beyond the reach of goalkeeper Marafona.