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Amasya
Amasya is the administrative seat of Amasya Province in the mountains above the Black Sea in northern Turkey, built along the banks of the Yeşilirmak River in a narrow valley. Its area is 1730 km2, and the population numbers approx. 133.000, of which 74,000 live in the city and the remainder in surrounding villages. The altitude is 411 m. This one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, originally occupied by the Hittites. In antiquity it was a fortified city high on the cliffs above the river. It was the home of Strabo, the geographer, and today there are prominent ruins and royal tombs in the rocks above the riverbank.
Situated between the Black Sea and inner Anatolia in a region of fertile plains irrigated by the Tersakan, Çekerek and Yeşilirmak rivers, Amasya lies in a naturally beautiful narrow river valley, bounded by almost vertical cliffs and high peaks. Five bridges cross the river, and most of the town lies on the southern bank, spread along the river. The climb up to the higher ground is very steep, making the valley walls uninhabitable. The town is therefore shaped like a letter 'v' as it follows a sharp bend in the river. Economic activities in the region include agriculture and mining as well as textile and cement manufacture, but it is not a very wealthy city. |
 Tourizm in Amasya
On the rock faces above the town there are the terraced site of the royal palace and impressive rock-cut tombs and memorials of the kings of Pontus (illuminated at night) which, although not kept in the best condition, are an impressive sight from the town. A fortification (Turkish Kale) mentioned by Strabo and largely rebuilt in medieval times also lies in ruins on a rocky outcrop (Harsene Kalesi) above the town. The town itself has many historically and architecturally valuable buildings, including the Ferhat water channel, the 13th century Seljuk Burmali Mosque, the 14th century Ilhanli Bimarhane Mental Hospital with lovely reliefs around its portal, and the 15th century Yildirim Beyazit Mosque. Unfortunately, Amasya is vulnerable to earthquakes which have damaged many monuments (most recently in 1939).
There are a number of well-preserved traditional Ottoman Turkish mansions, some of the best examples of Turkish domestic architecture. The 19th century Hazeranlar Mansion has been carefully restored and includes a small art gallery and ethnographical museum. The Archaeological Museum of Amasya has an interesting collection, including the mummies of the Ilkhanli rulers of Amasya. Lake Borabay (65 km northeast of Amasya) is a crater lake with an impressive view and fresh air. It is a perfect area for fishing (especially trout), picnicking and sports. Other excursion sites from Amasya include Yedikir Dam Lake and Omarca National Park. |
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