Amasya

Amasya
Amasya and Yeşilırmak River
Country	Turkey
Province	Amasya
Government
• Mayor	Cafer Özdemir (AKP)
Area
• District	1,729.69 km2 (667.84 sq mi)
Population  (2012)
• Urban	91,874
• District	133,133
• District density	77/km2 (200/sq mi)
Website	www.amasya.gov.tr

Amasya (Turkish pronunciation: [aˈmasja]), the Amaseia or Amasia of antiquity, is the capital of the administrative district of Amasya Province in northern Turkey. The population of the province is 334,786 and the population of the city is 99,905. The mayor is Cafer Özdemir (AKP).

Amasya stands in the mountains above the Black Sea coast, in a narrow valley along the banks of the Yeşilırmak River. Although near the Black Sea, this area is high above the coast and has an inland climate, well-suited to growing apples, for which the province of Amasya is famed. Amasya is set apart from the rest of Anatolia in its tight mountain valley and hides its beauty. Amasya is one of the provinces in north-central Anatolia Turkey which is distinct for its natural setup and historical values. It was the home of the geographer Strabo. Located in a narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris) river, it has a past of 7,500 years during which many civilizations left remains.

In antiquity, Amaseia (Greek: Αμάσεια) was a fortified city high on the cliffs above the river. It has a long history as provincial capital, a wealthy city producing kings and princes, artists, scientists, poets and thinkers, from the kings of Pontus, through Strabo the geographer, to many generations of the Ottoman imperial dynasty, and up to being the location of an important moment in the life of Ataturk. With its Ottoman-period wooden houses and the tombs of the Pontus kings carved into the cliffs overhead, Amasya is attractive to visitors.

In recent years, investments in tourism increased which attracted more foreign and domestic tourists. Traditional Ottoman houses near the Yeşilirmak and other main historical buildings were restored; these traditional Yalıboyu houses started to be used as cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels. Ottoman wooden houses and on the background of these houses one can see the King Rock Tombs of Pontus Greeks. In 2011, a half million foreign and domestic tourists visited the city. As of June 2012, the visitors totaled nearly 350,000. The number of foreign doubled over the previous year: in 2011, the city of Amasya was visited by 11,000 foreign visitors, while in September 2012, it reached 22,000. The main nations which visited were mostly German and from East Asian nations such as Japan and South Korea.

Etymology

According to Strabo the Greek name Ἀμάσεια comes from Amasis, the queen of the Amazons, who were said to have lived here. The name has changed little throughout history, Ἀμάσεια, Amaseia, Amassia and Amasia all being found in ancient Greek and Roman coinage and continuing to be used through modern times by Greeks. In Armenian, it is written Armenian: Ամասիա, in Ottoman "أماصيا", and in modern Turkish "Amasya", all representing the same sound.

Population

In 2012, the permanent population of the city was 91,874. The birth rate of Amasya is low, so its population has been increasing slowly. The population varies seasonally, with the largest increase occurring during the summer tourist season.

Downtown population
2012	91,874
2011	90,665
2010	99,900
2009	86,667
2008	82,200
2007	85,851
2000	75,393
1997	62,668
1990	57,288
1985	53.431
1980	48,066
1975	41,496
1970	36,646
1965	34,168
1960	28,525
1955	-
1950	14,470
1945	-
1940	-
1935	11,981
1927	-
Y & G

Settlements in the district

Townships

• Aydınca
• Doğantepe
• Ezinepazar
• Uygur
• Yassıçal
• Yeşilyenice
• Ziyaret

Villages

6

Geography

Situated between the Black Sea and inner Anatolia in a region of fertile plains irrigated by the Tersakan, Çekerek and Yeşilırmak rivers, Amasya lies in a beautiful narrow river valley, bounded by almost vertical cliffs and high peaks of the Canik and Pontus mountains. Despite the mountainous location, it is not far above sea level. This makes its climate more temperate.

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 virtually uninhabitable. The town is shaped like the letter 'v' as it follows a sharp bend in the river.

Climate

Amasya features a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cold, rainy winters. In addition, Amasya is warmer than central Anatolia, and its weather is not as cold in winter months. It is a kind of transition climate between the Black Sea climate and Continental Mediterranean climate. However, this narrow valley causes Amasya to have a temperate climate. This effect is due to the Yeşilirmak river that moderates its climate.

Climate data for Amasya
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	21.3 (70.3)	24.8 (76.6)	31.2 (88.2)	35.8 (96.4)	37.5 (99.5)	41.8 (107.2)	45.0 (113.0)	42.2 (108.0)	40.3 (104.5)	36.0 (96.8)	29.7 (85.5)	22.9 (73.2)	45.0 (113.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	6.9 (44.4)	9.3 (48.7)	14.3 (57.7)	20.1 (68.2)	24.8 (76.6)	28.6 (83.5)	31.0 (87.8)	31.4 (88.5)	27.7 (81.9)	21.6 (70.9)	14.1 (57.4)	8.6 (47.5)	19.9 (67.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	−1.1 (30.0)	−0.2 (31.6)	2.6 (36.7)	6.9 (44.4)	10.5 (50.9)	14.0 (57.2)	16.3 (61.3)	16.3 (61.3)	12.7 (54.9)	8.4 (47.1)	3.4 (38.1)	0.9 (33.6)	7.6 (45.6)
Record low °C (°F)	−21.0 (−5.8)	−20.4 (−4.7)	−15.3 (4.5)	−5.1 (22.8)	−0.1 (31.8)	4.8 (40.6)	8.5 (47.3)	8.8 (47.8)	3.0 (37.4)	−2.7 (27.1)	−5.6 (21.9)	−12.7 (9.1)	−21.0 (−5.8)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	45.4 (1.79)	35.3 (1.39)	43.2 (1.70)	59.3 (2.33)	51.1 (2.01)	37.6 (1.48)	17.5 (0.69)	10.8 (0.43)	21.4 (0.84)	40.0 (1.57)	47.1 (1.85)	53.9 (2.12)	462.6 (18.2)
Average rainy days	11.9	10.9	12.3	13.3	12.5	8.6	4.2	3.3	5.2	8.2	9.7	12.1	112.2
Mean monthly sunshine hours	65.1	86.8	142.6	174	232.5	273	303.8	291.4	231	155	96	58.9	2,110.1
Source: Devlet Meteoroloji İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü

History

Ottoman houses and a Pontic tomb in Amasya

Amasia, Ottoman era

Historically Amaseia — or Amasia, capital of Amasya (province), northern Turkey, on the Yesil River, also called the Iris River — was capital of the kings of Pontus until about 183 BC. It was made a free city and the administrative center of a large territory by Pompey in 65 BC. In the 2nd century AD, it received the titles "metropolis" and "first city" under the Romans. It was the capital of the Turkmen Danismend emirs until annexed by the Seljuk ruler Kilic Arslan a century later. Amasia called this era "Darü’l-izz" till the Ottoman Conquest. It became a major center of learning in Anatolia after being incorporated into the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Bayezid I (reigned 1389–1402).

Its location in a steep valley makes the city a mountain stronghold, easy to defend, and thus Amasya has had a long and prominent history. It was hosted to the Hittites, Phrygians, Cimmerians, Lydia, Persia, Rome, Byzantine, Danishmend, Seljuq Empire, Ilkhanate and Ottoman civilisations between the Antic Age to present days. In 1386 Amasya was included in the Ottoman Empire Reign. The province was famous as "şehzadeler (sons of sultan) province" by the special concern of Ottoman Sultans and their sons. Turks take control of Amasya, by the conquest of Melik Ahmet Danişmend Gazi in 1075. In the year 1285 Ilhanli State took control; then in 1381 Eretna Governmental took control. At last Şehzade (prince) Yıldırım Bayazıd conquest province to Ottoman Reign in 1386.

Antiquity

Archaeological research shows that Amasya was first settled by the Hittites and subsequently by Phrygians, Cimmerians, Lydians, Persians, Armenians.

Hellenistic period

By 183 BC the city was settled by Hellenistic people, eventually becoming the capital of the kings of Pontus from 333 BC to 26 BC. Today there are prominent ruins including the royal tombs of Pontus in the rocks above the riverbank in the centre of the city. Ancient district in northeastern Anatolia adjoining the Black Sea. In the 1st century BC it briefly contested Rome's hegemony in Anatolia. An independent Pontic kingdom with its capital at Amaseia (modern Amasya) was established at the end of the 4th century BC in the wake of Alexander's conquests. Superficially Hellenized, the kingdom retained its Persian social structure, with temple priests and Persianized feudal nobles ruling over a heterogeneous village population.

Roman-Byzantine period

Amaseia was captured by the Roman Lucullus in 70 BC from Armenia and was quickly made a free city and administrative center of his new province of Bithynia and Pontus by Pompey. By this time Amaseia was a thriving city, the home of thinkers, writers and poets, and one of them, Strabo, left a full description of Amaseia as it was between 60 BC and 19 AD. Around 2 or 3 BC, it was incorporated into the Roman province of Galatia, in the district of Pontus Galaticus. Around the year 112, the emperor Trajan designated it a part of the province of Cappadocia. Later in the 2nd century it gained the titles 'metropolis' and 'first city'. After the division of the Roman Empire by emperor Diocletian the city became part of the East Roman Empire (the Byzantine Empire). At this time it had a predominantly Greek-speaking population.

Early Turkish rulers

In 1075 following 700 years of Byzantine rule Amasya was conquered by the Turkmen Danishmend emirs. It became their capital until it was annexed by the Seljuk ruler Kiliç Arslan II. Under the Seljuks and the Ilkhan the city became a centre of Islamic culture. Schools, mosques, tombs and other architecture of this period still remain.

The Ottomans

After being incorporated into the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Bayezid I Amasya grew in importance as a centre of learning; the children of the Ottoman rulers being sent here for their education. As part of their preparation for future rule they were given the position and responsibility of governor of Amasya. Future sultans from Beyazid I in the late 14th century through to Murat III in the 16th were schooled here and held the position of governor in their youth.

Between 1530 to 1545, several travelers documented a blood libel against some a the town Jews. After the disappearance of a local Christian, several Jews living in town were blamed for killing him for ritual reasons. The Jews submitted the charges under torture and hanged. Upon the return of the allegedly dead christian, Suleiman the magnificent ordered that all accusations regarding religious rituals should be judged under "royal" and not local court.

The population of Amasya at this time was very different from that of most other cities in the Ottoman Empire; as it was part of their the training for the future sultans to learn about every nation of the Empire. Every millet of the Empire was represented in Amasya in a particular village—such as a pontic village, an Armenian village, a Bosnian village, a Tatar village, a Turkish village etc. (see: 1927 Population count data by DİE.)

World War I and the Turkish War of Independence

In 1919 Amasya was the location of the final planning meetings held by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk for the building of a Turkish army to establish the Turkish republic following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War. It was here that Mustafa Kemal made the announcement of the Turkish War of Independence in the Amasya Circular. This circular is considered as the first written document putting the Turkish War of Independence in motion. The circular, distributed across Anatolia, declared Turkey's independence and integrity to be in danger and called for a national conference to be held in Sivas (Sivas Congress) and before that, for a preparatory congress comprising representatives from the eastern provinces of Anatolia to be held in Erzurum in July (Erzurum Congress).

During the years of World War I and the Turkish War of Independence, the Christian inhabitants of Amasya (Armenian and Greek) suffered many atrocities. Many Armenian civilians fleeing the massacres sought refuge at the American missionary school Anatolia College, located in Merzifon outside Amasya. In 1921 Turkish troops attacked the Greek neighborhoods and executed students and teachers of Anatolia College, forcing the school to close down and relocate to Greece after the Treaty of Lausanne.

Ecclesiastical history

Amasea became the seat of a Christian bishop and archbishop in Roman times; there is a list of bishops from the 3rd century. The bishopric eventually lapsed, probably, like so many others, after the Turkish conquest of Anatolia. In 1623 the papal diplomat Giovanni Battista Agucchi was appointed Bishop of Amasea, and in 1687 the title of Archbishop of Amasea was conferred as a titular distinction on Ferdinando d'Adda, the papal representative to King James II of England. The Catholic titular bishopric has been conferred a dozen times since. Amasea remains a titular see of the Catholic Church.

Amasya today

The province of Amasya is known for producing high-quality, small, well-flavoured apples. The Amasya-Tokat region is in the forefront of production. The city is not so developed city in industrial terms. It is, however, an attractive, well-preserved city, especially when sitting by the river, which has a particular mystique on a winter evening when fog fılls the valley. Tourists (and soldiers from the local base) contribute valuable income to the shopkeepers. The railway line from Sivas to Samsun runs through Amasya, and there is an attractive Ottoman-era railway station.

The city of Amasya has some nightlife, mainly bars and cafes for visitors, and some basic restaurants. It is not very conservative city differently from other central and eastern Anatolian cities. Tourism and people from Amasya who is travelling to metropolitan cities made it more open city. Social life in this city wakes up especially during the summer period. Many international circus groups visit this city. June 12 is festival date for Amasya during this time many cultural and sporting activities organize.

The cuisine includes the local specialty toyga çorbası, a soup containing yoghurt, drunk hot or cold. Other delights include pastries with poppy seeds and tea by the riverbank.

There is an airport in Merzifon district of Amasya. It opened in 2008 for civilian air flights; before it was used only for militarily. There are daily flights one-hour from/to Istanbul. It is easy to reach to Amasya for domestic and international tourists.

Tourism

In 2011, a half million foreign and domestic tourist visited Amasya. It indicated us tourism is developing as an industry, until June 2012, visitors of the city was nearly 350.000. However, the only foreign visitors of the city increased more than 100 percent according to previous year, In 2011, the city of Amasya was visited by 11.000 foreign visitors. Until September 2012, it reached to 22.000 foreign tourists. The main nations which visited the city mostly from the Germans and from the East Asian nations such as Japan and S. Korea. In related with that many hotels, especially butique hotels are opening to serve. Mostly the traditional Ottoman wooden houses was restored and now they are using as butique hotels, cafes, bars.

The ruins of the citadel on the rock face of the cleft shelters 2000 year old water-channels, 1000 year old bridges, a mental hospital, an OttomanPontus kings, which contribute very much to the attractiveness of the city. At night, when they are illuminated, the view is unforgettable. Palace and a secret underground passageway. On the rock faces there are impressive rock tombs. The city also has many historically and architecturally precious buildings; the Ferhat water channel, the 13th century Seljuk Burmali Mosque, the 15th century Yildirim Beyazit Mosque and Complex; the 14th century Ilhanli Bimarhane Mental Hospital with lovely relieves around its portal, the extraordinary octagonal Kapi Aga Medrese (theological school), the Torumtay Mausoleum and the Gök Medrese. There are traditional Turkish mansions which have been well-preserved showing the best examples of Turkish architecture. The 19th century Hazeranlar Mansion has been restored perfectly and now it is of great interest with an art gallery on its first floor and an ethnographical museum on the second. The Archaeological Museum of Amasya has an interesting collection including the mummies of the Ilhanli rulers of Amasya.

Tombs of the kings of Pontus

• On the rock of Harşena above the town is the terraced site of the royal palace and the tombs of the kings of Pontus (illuminated at night) which, although not kept in the best condition, are an impressive sight from the town. There are 5 unit tombs placed at slope of Amasya Castle that all are engraved on the lime stone rocks which rocks extended like a straight wall With the construction and location properties they take attention at the first sight Their surroundings engraved till they completely separated from the main rock, than they reunite to the main rock with stairs There are some ones large and some ones small totally 18 rock tomb units present The famous geographer Strabon (BC 63 - AC 5) whom born at Amasya, delivers an information that Rock tombs was belonged to Pontus Kings.
• AynalıCave (Rock Tomb) is approximately three kilometres away from city centre, and on the way of Ziyaret district which way separated to the right from surrounding high way towards Samsun It is the best- decorated and completed tomb among other King Rock Tombs. At the vault section there are six pictures on each right and left walls, which figure out 12 disciple And there are some figures that include men and women on the west and east walls, although there is a composition figure contains the Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Disciple on east wall.
• Harsene Kalesi – A fortification, mentioned by Strabo and largely rebuilt in medieval times also lies in ruins on a rocky outcrop above the town. And in the district of Nerkis lies some remainsN of another castle, Enderun Kalesi. It is placed on precious rocks named Harşane mountain at the west of Yeşilırmak river and city centre There are 4 main gates in castle, which are named Belkıs, Saray (palace), Maydonos and Meydan (Puublic Square), there is an water well named Cilanbolu in castle too, moreover water hole and dungeon present in castle A laddered under ground way from the castle that reach to 70 meter below river towards the kings tombs dated to 3rd century BC.
• The town itself has many historically and architecturally valuable buildings, including the Ferhat aqueduct, the 13th century Seljuk Burmali Mosque, the 14th century Ilkhan Bimarhane Mental Hospital with lovely reliefs around its portal, the tomb of 15th century scholar Pir Ilyas and the 15th-century mosque of Yildirim Beyazit. 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 Konağı has been carefully restored and includes a small art gallery and ethnographical museum. Other wooden houses are being restored as hotels and guest houses. Hazeranlar Mansion Hazeranlar mansion is the most beautiful mansion at Yalı boyu (across the waterside residence) houses series Mansion is one of the most elegant civil architecture samples of Ottoman period Mansion built by Defterdar Hasan Talat Efendi for the name of his sister Hazeran Hanım at the year of 1872.
• The Archaeological Museum of Amasya has a large and interesting collection, of artefacts from many eras of antiquity, including the mummies of the Ilkhanli rulers of Amasya.
• Saraydüzü Casern, this building reconstructed in 2009 and opened. The importance of Saraydüzü Casern is that, Amasya Circular(genelge) was signed in that historical building in 12 June 1919. Atatürk wrote here about Amasya Circular. Building was destroyed. Today, Saraydüzü Casern is war of liberation museum and using for conferences, meetings, speeches etc. Basically, it is used as a congress center.
• A number of tombs of Muslim saints, yatır, said to emanate healing powers. The sick and dying come to breathe the air and drink the waters of nearby springs.
• FerhatWaterCanal canal was built at the Hellenistic Period to fulfil city's water necessity, it has approximately 75 width and 18 kilometers long It was built with processes of digging canals based on the balance system, carving some tunnels and bounding brick walls at some places.
• Sultan Bayezıt II Kulliye (Center): Kulliye constructed in the name of Sultan Bayezit II in 1485 - 86; is composed of mosque, theology school, charitable establishment, monument and şadırvan (water tank with a fountain). It is the advanced final sample of the mosque with side place (L planned) architecture, constructed during the last quarter of the 15th century. There are two minarets of the mosque There are theology school at west and charitable establishment and guest - house at east Old plane trees at the level of both minarets, are estimated to be as old as kulliye.
• Lake Borabay (65 km northeast of Amasya in the district of Taşova) 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 reservoir and Omarca National Park.
• Terziköy thermal spring is one of the most important springs of the province Gözlek thermal spring, Hamamözü (Arkut Bey) thermal spring and Ilısu thermal spring are the other thermal springs of Amasya.
• Amasya was also one of the Turkish cities which had the best viewing location for the last total solar eclipse of the 20th century which happened on 11 August 1999. Many visitors came to the city to witness this spectacular event. On 29 March 2006, another total solar eclipse was seen in this city at 14:06pm local time.

The legend of Ferhat and Shirin

In its Turkish version, this classic tale of oriental folklore is held to have taken place in Amasya. The nearby mountain Ferhat is named for Farhad (Turkish spelling Ferhat), the hero of the legend, who for love of the princess Shirin (Turkish spelling Şirin) tried to win her father's favour and permission by tunnelling through the mountain to bring spring water to his palace. Sadly, while he was working he was sent the false information that Shirin had died; upon which he threw himself onto the rocks in his grief. And his beloved princess died soon after. The story has since become a play by Nazim Hikmet, a novel by Talip Apaydın, and an opera by Arif Melikov.

Economy

Region's valley structure and this valley structure provide a temperate climate for many fruits growing. City has many agricultural production. Other economic activities in the region include mining, textiles and cement manufacture. Most part of the city's economy comes from agriculture and agricultural products likewise, greenstuffes and fruit production are also important incomes for the Amasya's economy. Villages have economically concentrated relations with districts of Amasya. In recent years, electrical machine production and household tools (ankastre, kitchen tools, exhauster, paddle box), algiculture and woodcraft machines, textile and food industry was developed in the Merzifon district of Amasya. These developments made better city's economy, but still Amasya is not important trade center within the country.

Agricultural products of the city mostly consist of those products, apple, cherry, okra, onion, poppy seeds, lentel, bean and peach. In additionally, agro-based industries have an important place for the local economy. Sucrose, dairy products, egg, sunflower oil, provender, flour, yeast are major agro-based industries in Amasya; the industrial products are relatively limited. The most major industries are lime, brick, marble, ankanstre kitchen tools, furniture, lignite coal, metal and plastic industrial products. These products trades domestically and are exported: Marble exporting is considerable for the city's economy. Amasya is the second city in the country in marble exporting. In addition to that, Amasya is under the average of the country which is working in the industry employment.

Amasya University was founded in 2006 (before it associated to Samsun University 19 May). It help the city economically development positively.

Amasya is a city on the road of the Europe and Iran international way and it connects Samsun port to the interior regions of the country. Samsun-Sivas railway line passing through downtown of Amasya. Amasya-Merzifon airport opened up in 2008. In related with that, cultural tourism achieved considerable place. Amasya is the starting point of the Black Sea tours within the country. Cappadocia tours also cover the city of Amasya. Cultural and Tourism Ministry determined 15 cities which is the trademark cities around the country includes Amasya. These developments also influence economy of the city positively because tourism triggers to other sectors but still the city of Amasya is not where it wants.

Cuisine

Having served many civilizations as the capital city and the future sultans of the Ottomans as an academy, Amasya, also known as the City of the Shahzadah, has developed a regal cuisine with its characteristic taste, looks and quality through meticulous efforts.

Keşkek, which has always been one of the most popular dishes of Middle Asia, has acquired such a distinctive touch in the hands and minds of the people of Amasya that it is now referred to as a whole new dish “aside from those of all other regions.” Bakla Dolması (broad bean rolls) is a masterpiece of culinary art that is produced by delicate hands through an exquisite combination of beans with ingredients along with meat.

Cream cakes, an indispensable item in the palace menu, has turned in the cherry bread through the ingenuity of ordinary people. Stale bread is used to make a dessert called Unutma Beni (which means that don't forget me).

Amasya University

Amasya University was established on 17 March 2006. The history of the university goes back to 1974, when a teacher training institution was established in Amasya by the Ministry of Education. In 1975, the Ministry of Education also founded a vocational school in Amasya.

In 1982 when the Higher Education Council was established, these two schools became units of Ondokuz Mayıs University in Samsun. In the 2011-2012 academic year, Amasya University educated students through five faculties, including Education, Sciences & Arts, Architecture, Technology and Medical; one health vocational school; five vocational schools (Amasya, Merzifon, Taşova, Suluova and Gümüşhacıköy); and two institutes (Sciences and Social Sciences).

Amasya University has limited international agreements compared to other universities. Number of agreements and international programmes have been increasing rapidly. The university has some international exchange programs such as Erasmus, Grundtvig, Leonardo and Comenius. Each year limited number of students go/come from/to foreign universities by these programmes. In additionally, Farabi programme is popular for the exchange of students domestically.

Faculties

• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Science and Literature
• Faculty of Technology
• Faculty of Architecture
• Faculty of Medicine (not active yet)

Institutes

• Scientific Sciences Institute
• Social Sciences Institute

Junior College

• College of Health

Junior Technical College

• Amasya Junior Technical College
• Merzifon Junior Technical College
• Suluova Junior Technical College
• Gumushacikoy Junior Technical College
• Tasova Junior Technical College

Central Research Laboratory

It works depending on the university in the Campus of Ipekkoy.

Notable natives

• Strabo, ancient geographer and historian (died in 23 AD)
• Amirdovlat of Amasia, 15th century Armenian physician and writer
• Yavuz Sultan Selim(I.Selim), the Ottoman Sultan
• Uğur Dağdelen, footballer
• Mahmut Demir, world, Olympic and European champion sports wrestler
• Serkan Erdoğan, basketball player
• Hamit Kaplan, world and Olympic champion sports wrestler
• Adem Ören, basketball player
• Erdem Türetken, basketball player
• Ahmet Yıldırım, footballer
• Amasyalı Bayezid Pasha, Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire
• Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Paşa, an Ottoman military leader and grand vizier
• Okan Öztürk, footballer
• Tahsin Şahinkaya, Turkish Soldier-General
• Ömer Özen, politician

Twin Cities

• Osh, Kyrgyzstan
• Manisa, Turkey
• Trabzon, Turkey
• Thessaloniki, Greece
• Nuuk, Greenland
• Le Mans, France
• Galway, Ireland
• Berlin, Germany
• Brindisi, Italy
• Zagreb, Croatia
• Kufstein, Tyrol, Austria

See also

• Rûm Province, Ottoman Empire

External links

• Provincial governorate official website
• Municipality official website