amesian's VirtualTourist Home Page

Amasya is located in the Yesilirmak Valley of the Central Black Sea Region. The archaeological studies have shown that many civilizations have 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 ilhanid 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 Yal?boyu 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.

KING'S VALLEY
Rock Tombs of The Kings
These tombs were carved in limestone and are located on the southern foots of Harsena Mountain. They belong to the Hellenistic period. Strabon, the well-known geographer, claims that the tombs belong to Pontic kings. There are eighteen tombs in this King's Valley. There are 18 rock tombs in this valley. One of the famous tombs is called "Aynali Magara" (the cave with the mirror) and it is known that it used to be a chapel. Inside the cave, it is possible to see the grave hole on the right wall. On the left wall, detailed figures of Virgin Mary and the Twelve Apostles are drawn in brown and red, which is a characteristic feature of Byzantine art.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AMASYA HOUSES
Plans of the old Amasya houses reflect all the special features of the Turkish house architecture. The history of the houses date back to 1850's.

Houses were generally constructed on a base with brick filled wooden bands. Upper covering was mostly cardle shaped and covered with corrugated alaturka tiling. The houses were designed in garden with a courtyard. Antrerooms determined the plans of the houses.

The storeys and the rooms were determined by horizontal and vertical lines; overhangs had great importance in design of frontal arrangements .

The windows are in guillotine style and in some houses there are window-lattices in front of the windows.

Note:Some of the photos i used for my pages were taken by the Dutch traveler and photographer MR.Dick Osseman.

The ancient geographer and historian Strabo write of Amasya;''My native city located in a deep and large valley through which flows the river Iris.It has been endowed in a surprising manner by art and nature for serving the purpose of a city and fortress.''

What my aim for preparing these pages is just for fun and let people know about the beauties of Turkey and Amasya.

Turkey is a land of wonders,but few people are aware of the jewels of her and Amasya is one of them.It is still one of the hidden gems and one of the prettiest towns in all Turkey.Thanks to my pages i hope i can introduce my country and town to the world.

I hope i can achieve my goal :)

Thanks in advance for your comments and ratings for my pages...

If you plan to visit Amasya and/or wonder anything about her or Turkey, do not hesitate to ask me.
amesian@gmail.com