Amasya
Amasya (formerly Amaseia or Amasia from Greek: Αμάσεια) is a town in northern Turkey, the capital of Amasya Province with approximately 80,000 inhabitants. It is the home of Strabo the geographer.
Geography
Situated between the Black Sea and inner Anatolia in a region of fertile plains irrigated by the Tersakan, Cekerek and Yesil rivers, the town itself is situated on the Yesil River (Iris river), at 390 metres above sea level. It lies in a naturally beautiful tight river valley, bounded by high peaks and is renowned for its orchards. The north is connected to the heavily populated southern side by five bridges. Economic activities in the region include agriculture and mining as well as textiles and cement manufacture.
Tourism
On the rock faces above the town there are carved impressive rock tombs of the kings of Pontus (illuminated at night) which, although not kept in the best condition, make for an impressive sight in the town. A castle (Turkish 'Kale') mentioned by the geographer Strabo also lies in ruins on a rocky outcrop above the town. The town itself has many historically and architecturally precious buildings including the Ferhat water channel, the 13th century Seljuk Burmali Mosque, the 14th century Ilhanli Bimarhane Mental Hospital with lovely reliefs around its portal, the 15th century Yildirim Beyazit Mosque and others.
Walking through the town you will also see traditional Turkish mansions which have been well-preserved showing the best examples of Turkish architecture. The 19th century Hazeranlar Mansion has been carefully restored and includes a small art gallery and ethnographical museum. The Archaeological Museum of Amasya has an interesting collection including the mummies of the Ilhanli rulers of Amasya.
Lake Borabay (65 km northeast of Amasya) 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 include Yedikir Dam Lake and Omarca National Park
History
Until 183 BC the city was the capital of the kings of Pontus. In 65 BC it was also made a free city and administrative centre of a large area by Pompey and it was the birthplace and early home of the famous geographer Strabo. Under the Romans it gained the titles 'metropolis' and 'first city' in the 2nd century AD.
The town was the first capital of the Turkmen Danismend emirs until annexed by the Seljuk ruler Qilic Arslan. After being incorporated into the Ottoman empire under Sultan Bayezid I it became a major Anatolian centre of learning. Amasya has a history of earthquakes which have damaged monuments as recently as 1939.