ABOUT AMASYA

Amasya is located in the Yesilirmak Valley of the Central Black Sea Region. The archaeological studies have shown that many civilizations has flourished in Amasya throughout the history. The first settlement in the city goes back to 5500 BC. Since then, many civilizations were born and died in this region. The Hittites, the Kimmers, the Iskits, Lydians, Persians had once lived here and the Hellenistic, the Roman, the Byzantine, the Seljuk and the Ottoman Empires had ruled for centuries in these lands.

Amasya served as a centre of religion in the Hittite period. In the Hellenistic age, it was the capital city of the kingdom. Later, Amasya became the center of culture in which scholars, scientists, artists, poets lived. Princes used to be trained and educated here. Well-known historical figures like Geographer Strabon, Murat II, Bayezid II, Yavuz Sultan Selim, the master of calligraphers Seyh Hamdullah, the famous physician Sabuncuzade Serafettin and the first Ottoman poetess Mihri Hatun had been trained in Amasya. In the course of history, the city has become a source of inspiration for many writers, poets and artists.

Amasya also played an important role during the War of Independence (1919-1922). The idea of the foundation of the Modern Turkish Republic was first mentioned here in a written document; The Amasya Notice (22 June 1919), which was the first step taken towards the foundation of the republic and the famous statement "Independence of the nation will be realized by its self-determination" was made here also.

In Amasya, one can see the remnants of the Hellenistic, the Roman, the Byzantine, the Seljuk, the Ilhanli, and the Ottoman civilizations, as well as many important remains belonging to the first years of the Republic of Turkey. The museums of this historical city contain cultural treasures, remained from many civilizations. Amasya is endowed with historical and cultural opulence, and the city is also very rich of natural beauties; thermal springs around Amasya are very famous. Amasya Yaliboyu Houses are the best instances of Ottoman architecture. These buildings usually have two storeys and they are now being restored by a foundation called AKTAV. (The Foundation of Protecting Cultural and Natural wealth).

Amasya is also famous for its apples, cherries, peaches and okra. If you would like to enjoy the beautiful nature with the city's deeply rooted cultural tradition, then Amasya is one of the most exciting places for you. Here, our friendly people will welcome you.

Let's look at photos of Amasya