Amasya - Page I

 Ottoman Houses and Tombs of Pontic Kings along the Yeşilırmak River

Coming from, or going to the Black Sea, Amasya always offers a pleasant stop. It is one of Turkey's most beatiful cities, stretching along the banks of the Yeşilırmak (Iris River) in a narrow ravine, with sheer rock cliffs rising above the town center. Amasya has a history dating back more than 3000 years, and is proud of it. Amaseia, as it was called formerly, has roots dating back to the Hittite Empire. From 323 BC until 183 BC it was the capital of the Pontic Kingdom. As a remnant of this golden age, the impressive rock tombs of the Pontic kings, the Kral Kaya Mezarları, still dominate the city. The tombs are illuminated at night, which contributes much to Amasya's attraction. In 63 BC,  Strabo, the ancient historian and geographer and Amasya's most famous citizen, was born here. After about 1000 years of Byzantine rule, the Seljuks and Mongols conquered the town and left many fine buildings, much of which are still present today. Amasya was conquered by Sultan Beyazit I in 1392 and became a major city in the Ottoman Empire. Many Ottoman crown princes were taught statecraft in Amasya and were tested for their skill by being governor of the province. Amasya was also important as a center for islamic theological studies with 18 medreses and 1 külliye.  European travellers referred to Amasya as the "Oxford of Anatolia". 

More details on  Amasya and its history can be found at the Governorship of Amasya and the Ataman Hotel web-sites.

The photo gallery on this and the next page takes you to a walking tour through beautiful Amasya.

Click on the thumbnails to get a greater picture

Click here for more pictures of Amasya

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