Photo: Ömür Tanyel (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 9 places to visit in the central district of Amasya: Yalıboyu Osmanlı Evleri, Darüşşifa and Pontus Kral Kaya Mezarları. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Amasya (central district) is located in the interior of the Black Sea region, built where the Yeşilırmak passes through a narrow valley at the foot of Mount Harşena. The district’s area is 1,889 km² and its altitude is 399 metres. Its population is 151,433.
The city fabric spreads along both banks of the Yeşilırmak valley: on one side the Yalıboyu houses lined along the river, and above them the kings’ tombs carved into the rocks and the castle.
In the Saraydüzü Barracks Building, the writing of the Amasya Circular (Amasya Genelgesi) is brought to life with sculptures.
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These monumental tombs, carved into the rocks on the northern slope of the Yeşilırmak valley, belong to the Pontic kings who ruled in the 4th–1st centuries BC. The complex of five rock tombs, lit up at night, forms Amasya's most iconic view.
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Photo: Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Amasya Castle, on the rocky hill above the Yeşilırmak valley, was built in the Pontic Kingdom period and used in the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. From the castle, there is a bird's-eye view of the city and the valley.
View on mapThis rock tunnel, the subject of Amasya's famous Ferhat and Şirin legend, was carved into the rocks in antiquity to bring water to the city. According to the legend, Ferhat broke through the mountains to reach his beloved Şirin.
View on mapBuilt in 1486 by Sultan Bayezid II, this complex consists of a mosque, madrasa, imaret and hammam. An important example of early Ottoman architecture, the building stands out for its octagonal-plan fountain (şadırvan).
View on mapA complex built in 1495, consisting of a madrasa, a sübyan school (primary school) and a cemetery (hazire).
View on mapA museum where love stories such as Ferhat and Şirin and Kerem and Aslı are told through silicone models and sculptures.
View on mapAmasya Museum, founded in 1925, displays archaeological and ethnographic works from the Hittite, Phrygian, Pontic, Roman and Ottoman periods. Its collection includes Pontic-period mummies and Seljuk-period tile fragments.
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Photo: Ömür Tanyel (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source The first hospital, built in 1308 during the Ilkhanid period, where treatment was given through music.
View on mapAmasya çöreği, made with walnuts and cinnamon, is the best-known flavour of the city. Layers of dough are opened, sprinkled with walnut filling, rolled up and baked.
Keşkek, prepared by boiling and pounding cracked wheat and meat for a long time, is the traditional dish of wedding and holiday tables in Amasya.
Toyga soup, made with yoghurt, flour and chickpeas, is one of the distinctive flavours of Amasya cuisine. It is drizzled with melted butter and mint.
Amasya pastırma is prepared by coating beef with a spiced mixture called çemen and drying it. It holds an important place among the city's traditional meat products.
In the Ottoman period, young princes (şehzade) were sent to Amasya to gain administrative experience. Sultan I Murad and Yavuz Sultan Selim were born in Amasya. This tradition earned the city the title "City of Princes" (Şehzadeler Şehri).
Amasya was the capital of the Pontic Kingdom between 333 and 26 BC. The famous geographer Strabo was born in this city and described Amasya in detail in his writings.
Amasya is the setting of the Ferhat and Şirin love legend. This legend, which tells of a love strong enough to break through mountains, is one of the best-known stories in Turkish literature.
Amasya Merkez's economy consists of farming, tourism and trade. Apple, peach and cherry cultivation takes place in the Yeşilırmak valley. Misket apple is the city's most famous agricultural product. Cultural tourism has been developing rapidly in recent years, and the Pontic royal tombs and Ottoman houses attract hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. Amasya University contributes to the city's educational and economic life.
Amasya is 325 km from Ankara and 130 km from Samsun. Merzifon Airport is 40 km from the city. Intercity bus services connect it with all major cities. Amasya also has a rail connection.
The main places in Amasya Merkez are: Yalıboyu Ottoman Houses, Darüşşifa, Pontus Royal Rock Tombs, Amasya Castle, Amasya Museum, Sultan Bayezid II Complex, Ferhat and Şirin Rock Tunnel, Ferhat and Şirin Lovers Museum and Ayas Ağa Mosque.
Amasya Çöreği, Keşkek, Toyga Çorbası and Pastırma are the standout dishes on Amasya Merkez's tables.
Amasya Merkez is known for Amasya apples (misket apples) and the City of Princes. Amasya's world-famous misket apple is known for its small size, red colour and intense aroma. Grown in the microclimate of the Yeşilırmak valley, this apple is the symbol of the city.
Amasya is 325 km from Ankara and 130 km from Samsun. Merzifon Airport is 40 km from the city. Intercity bus services connect it with all major cities. Amasya also has a rail connection.