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Amasya, Turkiye
Amasya: Cradle of Princes, City of Legends
Welcome to Amasya
Amasya is one of the most enchanting cities in Türkiye, a place where every street whispers tales of ancient empires, scholars, sultans, and civilizations. Nestled within the dramatic cliffs of the Yeşilırmak River, this Black Sea city boasts over 7,500 years of history, a landscape shaped by myths and monarchs, and an atmosphere that blends romance with reverence. Whether you’re chasing the ghost of Strabo or marveling at the glowing Pontic rock tombs at night, Amasya is a timeless treasure.
A Glimpse into Amasya’s History
Founded by the Hittites, inhabited by Phrygians, ruled by Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and finally the Ottomans—Amasya’s timeline is a rich mosaic. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Pontus, the hometown of the famed geographer Strabo, and later a key educational center for Ottoman princes. The city’s unique cultural profile was shaped by its role as the training ground for sultans, earning it the nickname “Cradle of Princes.”
From the Amasya Circular that sparked Türkiye’s War of Independence, to the Byzantine mosaics unearthed in chapels, Amasya is not just a witness to history—it helped write it.
Iconic Sights & Attractions
1. Rock Tombs of the Kings of Pontus Carved majestically into limestone cliffs above the river, these tombs dominate the skyline. Lit up beautifully at night, they are a symbol of Amasya’s ancient grandeur.
2. Hazeranlar Mansion (Hazeranlar Konağı) This 19th-century Ottoman mansion is a beautiful example of traditional architecture. Restored and converted into a museum and art gallery, it offers insight into life in the Ottoman era.
3. Amasya Castle (Harşena Fortress) Strategically placed on a high cliff, the fortress has ruins of cisterns, secret tunnels, and defensive walls. Views from the top are breathtaking.
4. Ferhat and Şirin Water Channel Legend has it Ferhat carved this aqueduct through mountains for his love Şirin. This romantic tale is memorialized in the Ferhat and Şirin Museum and Park.
5. Burmalı Minare Mosque Built in the 13th century during the Seljuk period, this mosque stands out with its unique spiral minaret.
6. Yıldırım Beyazıt Complex A fine example of Ottoman architecture, including a mosque, medrese, imaret (soup kitchen), and a Turkish bath.
7. Gök Medrese and Kapi Ağa Medrese These Islamic theological schools showcase Amasya’s status as a cultural and religious hub in medieval times.
8. Archaeological Museum of Amasya Home to Ilkhanid-era mummies, Byzantine mosaics, and ethnographic artifacts that chronicle the region’s diverse past.
9. Saraydüzü Kışla Building Now serving as the War of Independence Museum, this is where Atatürk made his historic declaration in 1919.
Nature & Leisure
Yeşilırmak River Promenade The riverside is the heart of Amasya, with restored Yalıboyu Ottoman mansions now functioning as cafes, boutique hotels, and museums.
Borabay Lake A crater lake 65 km northeast of the city, ideal for trout fishing, hiking, and relaxing in pine forests.
Yedikir Dam Lake & Omarca National Park Perfect for nature lovers and picnickers, these sites offer a quiet escape into the wilderness.
Terziköy Thermal Springs Famed for therapeutic waters and traditional Turkish baths, this spa destination offers rejuvenation amid scenic beauty.
Local Flavors: What to Eat in Amasya
Amasya is renowned for its crisp, juicy apples, cultivated in the region’s fertile highland valleys. But don’t stop there:
Toyga Soup – a creamy yogurt-based soup with herbs and grains.
Bamya (Okra Stew) – a tangy, tomato-based stew often served with meat.
Patlıcan Pehli – a slow-cooked lamb and eggplant dish unique to Amasya.
Etli Pazı Sarması – chard leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice.
Amasya çöreği – a regional pastry made with molasses and spices.
Be sure to try local specialties at family-run lokantas or dine by the river with a view of the illuminated cliffs.
Events & Festivals
Amasya International Atatürk Culture and Art Festival (June) – Celebrates Atatürk’s historic visit and the Amasya Circular.
Amasya Apple Festival (October) – Showcases the region’s most famous fruit with exhibitions, tastings, and traditional performances.
Ferhat and Şirin Festival – Honors the legendary lovers with parades, concerts, and theatrical reenactments.
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport (MZH), 45 minutes away, with regular flights from Ankara and Istanbul.
By Train: Amasya lies on the Samsun–Sivas railway line. Trains from Ankara and Samsun provide scenic access to the city.
By Bus: Regular coach services connect Amasya to major cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Samsun, and Sivas.
By Car: Amasya is easily reached via highways D100 and D850. It’s around 6 hours from Istanbul and 4 hours from Ankara.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for enjoying Amasya’s outdoor attractions and festivals. Summers can be warm but are perfect for lakeside retreats and riverside evenings. Winters bring a quiet, romantic charm to the city’s old stone and wooden architecture.
Amasya, Turkiye
Amasya: Cradle of Princes, City of Legends
Welcome to Amasya
Amasya is one of the most enchanting cities in Türkiye, a place where every street whispers tales of ancient empires, scholars, sultans, and civilizations. Nestled within the dramatic cliffs of the Yeşilırmak River, this Black Sea city boasts over 7,500 years of history, a landscape shaped by myths and monarchs, and an atmosphere that blends romance with reverence. Whether you’re chasing the ghost of Strabo or marveling at the glowing Pontic rock tombs at night, Amasya is a timeless treasure.
A Glimpse into Amasya’s History
Founded by the Hittites, inhabited by Phrygians, ruled by Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and finally the Ottomans—Amasya’s timeline is a rich mosaic. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Pontus, the hometown of the famed geographer Strabo, and later a key educational center for Ottoman princes. The city’s unique cultural profile was shaped by its role as the training ground for sultans, earning it the nickname “Cradle of Princes.”
From the Amasya Circular that sparked Türkiye’s War of Independence, to the Byzantine mosaics unearthed in chapels, Amasya is not just a witness to history—it helped write it.
Iconic Sights & Attractions
1. Rock Tombs of the Kings of Pontus
Carved majestically into limestone cliffs above the river, these tombs dominate the skyline. Lit up beautifully at night, they are a symbol of Amasya’s ancient grandeur.
2. Hazeranlar Mansion (Hazeranlar Konağı)
This 19th-century Ottoman mansion is a beautiful example of traditional architecture. Restored and converted into a museum and art gallery, it offers insight into life in the Ottoman era.
3. Amasya Castle (Harşena Fortress)
Strategically placed on a high cliff, the fortress has ruins of cisterns, secret tunnels, and defensive walls. Views from the top are breathtaking.
4. Ferhat and Şirin Water Channel
Legend has it Ferhat carved this aqueduct through mountains for his love Şirin. This romantic tale is memorialized in the Ferhat and Şirin Museum and Park.
5. Burmalı Minare Mosque
Built in the 13th century during the Seljuk period, this mosque stands out with its unique spiral minaret.
6. Yıldırım Beyazıt Complex
A fine example of Ottoman architecture, including a mosque, medrese, imaret (soup kitchen), and a Turkish bath.
7. Gök Medrese and Kapi Ağa Medrese
These Islamic theological schools showcase Amasya’s status as a cultural and religious hub in medieval times.
8. Archaeological Museum of Amasya
Home to Ilkhanid-era mummies, Byzantine mosaics, and ethnographic artifacts that chronicle the region’s diverse past.
9. Saraydüzü Kışla Building
Now serving as the War of Independence Museum, this is where Atatürk made his historic declaration in 1919.
Nature & Leisure
Yeşilırmak River Promenade
The riverside is the heart of Amasya, with restored Yalıboyu Ottoman mansions now functioning as cafes, boutique hotels, and museums.
Borabay Lake
A crater lake 65 km northeast of the city, ideal for trout fishing, hiking, and relaxing in pine forests.
Yedikir Dam Lake & Omarca National Park
Perfect for nature lovers and picnickers, these sites offer a quiet escape into the wilderness.
Terziköy Thermal Springs
Famed for therapeutic waters and traditional Turkish baths, this spa destination offers rejuvenation amid scenic beauty.
Local Flavors: What to Eat in Amasya
Amasya is renowned for its crisp, juicy apples, cultivated in the region’s fertile highland valleys. But don’t stop there:
Toyga Soup – a creamy yogurt-based soup with herbs and grains.
Bamya (Okra Stew) – a tangy, tomato-based stew often served with meat.
Patlıcan Pehli – a slow-cooked lamb and eggplant dish unique to Amasya.
Etli Pazı Sarması – chard leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice.
Amasya çöreği – a regional pastry made with molasses and spices.
Be sure to try local specialties at family-run lokantas or dine by the river with a view of the illuminated cliffs.
Events & Festivals
Amasya International Atatürk Culture and Art Festival (June) – Celebrates Atatürk’s historic visit and the Amasya Circular.
Amasya Apple Festival (October) – Showcases the region’s most famous fruit with exhibitions, tastings, and traditional performances.
Ferhat and Şirin Festival – Honors the legendary lovers with parades, concerts, and theatrical reenactments.
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport (MZH), 45 minutes away, with regular flights from Ankara and Istanbul.
By Train: Amasya lies on the Samsun–Sivas railway line. Trains from Ankara and Samsun provide scenic access to the city.
By Bus: Regular coach services connect Amasya to major cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Samsun, and Sivas.
By Car: Amasya is easily reached via highways D100 and D850. It’s around 6 hours from Istanbul and 4 hours from Ankara.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for enjoying Amasya’s outdoor attractions and festivals. Summers can be warm but are perfect for lakeside retreats and riverside evenings. Winters bring a quiet, romantic charm to the city’s old stone and wooden architecture.