Amasya City Guide
The city of Amasya is located in the middle part of Turkey’s Central Black Sea Region. It is surrounded from the eastern, southern, western, and northern sides by Tokat, Tokat and Yozgat, Çorum, and Samsun respectively. It has served as a capital city of a kingdom; a home for scientists, artists, and poets; and a place in which princes received their education throughout its history of more than seven thousand years.
Amasya, where the first steps leading to the start of the Turkish War of Independence were taken, captures attention with not only its rich history and culture; but also with the Yaliboyu Houses which were built on the banks of Yesilirmak river. Amasya is an interesting ancient city not only in which the world’s best Muscatel apples, cherries, peaches, and gumbo are grown; but also where history and nature come together.
Tourist Attractions
Amasya Castle: It is situated on the steep cliff known as Harşene Mountains, located to the north of Yeşilırmak. The castle has four gates named "Belkıs", "Saray", "Maydonos" and "Meydan"; a water well named “Cilanbolu”, a cistern, and dungeons. An underground path, including stairs to Yeşilırmak river and kings’ grave sites 70 meters below, a tower, and ruins of a mosque are places you should stop by and see. Also, to the south of the castle, are the ruins of Kızlar Sarayı which was used by the Ottomans.
Yeşilırmak Yalıboyu: These traditional Amasya houses built on the banks of Yeşilırmak are the jewels of the city, they are a must see.
Other Important Historic Sites: Gökmedrese Mosque, built in 1267, is a closed complex of buildings next to the main mosque including a madrasa and burial chamber. Its name Gökmedrese comes from its dome which was decorated with blue ceramic tiles. It is one of a few of its kind in Anatolia, having a portal shaped like an iwan, with its only hewn stone elaborate proportions and decorations. Burmalı Minare Mosque, built during the rule of Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw II by the wazir Necmeddin Ferruh Bey and his brother treasurer Yusuf, stands out with its dome unique to the Seljuks and its twisted minaret. Additionally; Gümüşlü, Beyazid Pasha, Yörgüç Pasha, Sofular , Şirvanlı Azeriler, Fethiye, Abide Hatun mosques; Haliliye and Kapı Ağa madrasas; Sultan Bayezid II Külliye; Ezine and Taş Caravanserais, Bedesten; and the Old Hamam are among the city’s other important historic buildings.
Farhad Water Canal: The canal, which was built as an answer to the city’s water needs in the Helenistic Era, is approximately 75 cm wide and 18 km long. According to the commonly known legend, this canal was built by Farhad, who digged through mountains to reach his love, Sirin.
King Tombs: These 5 tombs, made by carving the wall-like limestone on the outskirts of Amasya Castle, offer a unique sight with their structure and location. The tombs, which were separated from the main limestone by carving out the pieces around them, are connected to each other and the main limestone with stairs. There are 18 tombs, varying in size, within the valley. According to the information given by the famous geographer Strabo, who was born in Amasya, these tombs belong to Pontus kings.
Thermal Touristic Areas: Terziköy, Gözlek, Ilısu and Hamamözü thermal springs, located within the city limits, are recognized as oligo mineral waters. You can visit these wonderful spots of nature not only for health but also for relaxation purposes.
Areas for Nature Walks: The area around Borabay Lake and Yedikır Dam&Lake, Çamlık Picnic Area, and Kunduz Forests are places suitable for hiking and nature walks. You can ride bicycles and go camping in these areas.
Yedikuğular Bird Paradise: Yedikır Dam is a small dam&lake, the construction of which was completed in 1985, located in the northwest part of Amasya. The area gains the status of being an Important Bird Area (IBA) with the high number of ruddy shelduck which inhabitate the area except their breeding time. During winter months, the area becomes the home of numerous anatidae including teal, mallard, and black-headed gull. It is classified as a wildlife protection zone and a protected area.
There are a total of 54 archeologic areas under protection in Amasya. Amasya Museum is one of the primary places which reflect the city’s rich culture. In this building which is located downtown, there are two big halls in which archeological and ethnographical artifacts are displayed. Especially, stone artifacts and the six mummies dating back to the Ilkhanates located in the tomb of Sultan Mesud I are very interesting.
Located to the east of Hatuniye mosque, Haznedarlar Konağı –most beautiful mansion from the show Yalı Evleri- serves as the Museum of Ethnography today. After undergoing a restoration process in 1977, the 11 rooms of the mansion were redecorated following examples of traditional houses of Amasya and were opened to visitors as “Museum Homes”.
In addition to these cultural spots of interest in the city, there are traditional festivals that take place annually. Beginning in May, plateau festivals go on until October in provinces and plateaus which range in theme from events related to art and culture to the gumbo festival.
Yeşilırmak Yalıboyu: These traditional Amasya houses built on the banks of Yeşilırmak are the jewels of the city, they are a must see.
Other Important Historic Sites: Gökmedrese Mosque, built in 1267, is a closed complex of buildings next to the main mosque including a madrasa and burial chamber. Its name Gökmedrese comes from its dome which was decorated with blue ceramic tiles. It is one of a few of its kind in Anatolia, having a portal shaped like an iwan, with its only hewn stone elaborate proportions and decorations. Burmalı Minare Mosque, built during the rule of Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw II by the wazir Necmeddin Ferruh Bey and his brother treasurer Yusuf, stands out with its dome unique to the Seljuks and its twisted minaret. Additionally; Gümüşlü, Beyazid Pasha, Yörgüç Pasha, Sofular , Şirvanlı Azeriler, Fethiye, Abide Hatun mosques; Haliliye and Kapı Ağa madrasas; Sultan Bayezid II Külliye; Ezine and Taş Caravanserais, Bedesten; and the Old Hamam are among the city’s other important historic buildings.
Farhad Water Canal: The canal, which was built as an answer to the city’s water needs in the Helenistic Era, is approximately 75 cm wide and 18 km long. According to the commonly known legend, this canal was built by Farhad, who digged through mountains to reach his love, Sirin.
King Tombs: These 5 tombs, made by carving the wall-like limestone on the outskirts of Amasya Castle, offer a unique sight with their structure and location. The tombs, which were separated from the main limestone by carving out the pieces around them, are connected to each other and the main limestone with stairs. There are 18 tombs, varying in size, within the valley. According to the information given by the famous geographer Strabo, who was born in Amasya, these tombs belong to Pontus kings.
Thermal Touristic Areas: Terziköy, Gözlek, Ilısu and Hamamözü thermal springs, located within the city limits, are recognized as oligo mineral waters. You can visit these wonderful spots of nature not only for health but also for relaxation purposes.
Areas for Nature Walks: The area around Borabay Lake and Yedikır Dam&Lake, Çamlık Picnic Area, and Kunduz Forests are places suitable for hiking and nature walks. You can ride bicycles and go camping in these areas.
Yedikuğular Bird Paradise: Yedikır Dam is a small dam&lake, the construction of which was completed in 1985, located in the northwest part of Amasya. The area gains the status of being an Important Bird Area (IBA) with the high number of ruddy shelduck which inhabitate the area except their breeding time. During winter months, the area becomes the home of numerous anatidae including teal, mallard, and black-headed gull. It is classified as a wildlife protection zone and a protected area.
Culture & Entertainment
Located to the east of Hatuniye mosque, Haznedarlar Konağı –most beautiful mansion from the show Yalı Evleri- serves as the Museum of Ethnography today. After undergoing a restoration process in 1977, the 11 rooms of the mansion were redecorated following examples of traditional houses of Amasya and were opened to visitors as “Museum Homes”.
In addition to these cultural spots of interest in the city, there are traditional festivals that take place annually. Beginning in May, plateau festivals go on until October in provinces and plateaus which range in theme from events related to art and culture to the gumbo festival.
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