11 places to visit in the Merzifon district of Amasya: Gök Medrese, Merzifon Kalesi (Bulak Kalesi) and Taş Han. Plan your trip to Merzifon with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Merzifon is a district of Amasya, and there are various theories about the origin of its name. The district’s area is 888 km² and its altitude is 744 metres. Its population is 77,077.
In the 700s BC, east of Merzifon, the regional governor Barsevinç had a town built bearing his own name, and over time the name took the forms Marsevinç, Mersuvan and Merzifon.
Archaeological findings show that the history of Merzifon goes back to 5500 BC. After the Dark Ages, in the 8th century BC, the Phrygians settled on the Hittite cities in the region and used these settlements after repairing them. In the 11th century the region came under the rule of the Danishmendids. When Yıldırım Bayezid conquered Amasya in 1393, after roughly three years of struggle the Merzifon region came under Ottoman rule.
Merzifon was a place where the roads linking the Black Sea with Central Anatolia met. Hadrian visited the region in 131 and ordered the temples to be repaired. When Amasya became the capital of Pontus, Merzifon became an important trade centre. According to Evliya Çelebi, the Bektashi dervish Gülbaba was born in Merzifon.
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Gök Medrese, built in 1266 during the Seljuk period by Pervane Muineddin Süleyman, is one of the important examples of Seljuk architecture with its twin minarets on the portal and its geometric decorations. The iwans and rooms in the madrasa courtyard reflect the educational approach of the period.
View on mapBulak Castle, built in the Byzantine period against Arab raids, is one of Merzifon's oldest structures. The castle was used for centuries as a defensive structure protecting the city's strategic position.
View on mapTaş Han, built in the Ottoman period for trade, is an important witness to Merzifon's commercial past. The restored building now hosts cultural events.
View on mapA hammam built in 1678 by Kara Mustafa Paşa, known for its octagonal domed warmth.
View on mapA historic two-storey han from the 17th century, with a courtyard. It has been restored and is used as a hotel.
View on mapA four-iwan madrasa built in 1414. The clock tower above it was added in 1865.
View on mapA covered bazaar with nine domes, dating from the 17th century. It still performs its commercial function.
View on mapA castle overlooking the Merzifon plain, near Alıcık village, protecting the trade route.
View on mapThe tomb of Pir İlyas Çelebi, a 14th-century mystic, is one of Merzifon's important places to visit. The area around the tomb serves as an organised park.
View on mapA mosque in Karamustafapaşa village, built in the 17th century and known for its wooden embroidery.
View on mapThis museum, which tells the history of Merzifon, displays archaeological finds from the Hittite, Phrygian, Roman and Ottoman periods. Works excavated from the mounds in the region are important parts of the collection.
View on mapWhile you are in Merzifon, you can also see the highlights of Amasya province. These places are in other districts.
Merzifon's traditional pide, known for its thin dough and generous fillings. Baked in stone ovens in minced meat, cheese and egg varieties.
Keşkek, prepared by boiling and pounding cracked wheat and meat for a long time, is the traditional dish of wedding and holiday tables in Merzifon.
Toyga soup, made with yoghurt, flour and chickpeas, is one of the distinctive flavours of Merzifon cuisine.
Pastırma, prepared by drying beef coated with çemen, is Merzifon's traditional meat product.
In the Seljuk period, Merzifon was an important centre of culture and education. The Gök Medrese is the most magnificent witness to this period.
Throughout history, Merzifon has been home to the Hittite, Phrygian, Pontic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman civilisations. It has been continuously settled since 5500 BC.
The military air base in Merzifon holds an important place in the city's modern history. The aviation tradition has become part of the district's identity.
Merzifon's economy consists of farming, industry and trade. Wheat, sugar beet, apples and vegetables are grown on the fertile plain. Food and textile sectors operate in the organised industrial zone. Merzifon Airport contributes to the region's transport infrastructure. Thanks to its location on the Ankara–Samsun highway, the district is commercially advantageous.
Merzifon is 40 km from Amasya city centre and is reached by road. Merzifon Airport is 10 km from the district, with regular flights to Istanbul. Intercity bus services serve the district on the Ankara–Samsun highway.
The main places in Merzifon are: Gök Medrese, Merzifon Castle (Bulak Castle), Taş Han, Merzifon Museum, Pir İlyas Çelebi Tomb, Kara Mustafa Paşa Hammam, Merzifon Taşhanı, Çelebi Mehmet Madrasa, Merzifon Bedesten, Abide Hatun Mosque and Bulak Castle.
Merzifon Pidesi, Keşkek, Toyga Çorbası and Pastırma are the standout dishes on Merzifon's tables.
Merzifon is known for Merzifon Dokuması (weaving) and the Seljuk heritage. It is a protected geographical indication product registered with TÜRKPATENT.
Merzifon is 40 km from Amasya city centre and is reached by road. Merzifon Airport is 10 km from the district, with regular flights to Istanbul. Intercity bus services serve the district on the Ankara–Samsun highway.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.