One of the provinces in Turkey’s Central Anatolia that stands out for its natural setting and historical significance is Amasya. It served as the famed geographer Strabo’s native country. It has a 3000 year history and is situated in a little cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris) river. During this time, numerous civilizations left magnificent artefacts behind.
A mental hospital, an Ottoman palace, a secret subterranean corridor, and 2000-year-old water canals are all hidden within the remains of the citadel on the rock face of the gap. Impressive rock tombs of the Pontus kings are found on the cliff faces, greatly adding to the city’s appeal. The vista at night is breathtaking when they are illuminated.
The Ferhat water channel, the Seljuk Burmali Mosque from the 13th century, the Yildirim Beyazit Mosque and Complex, the 14th-century Ilhanli Bimarhane Mental Hospital with lovely reliefs around its portal, the extraordinary octagonal Kapi Aga Medrese (theological school), the Torumtay Mausoleum, and the Gök Medrese are among the city’s other noteworthy historical and architectural structures. The best representations of Turkish architecture can be found in old Turkish mansions that have been carefully preserved.
♦ Bosphorus Boat Cruise Tour – Dolmabahce Palace
The Hazeranlar Mansion from the 19th century has been meticulously restored, and currently it is very interesting with an art gallery on the first level and an ethnographic museum on the second. The mummies of the Ilhanli monarchs of Amasya are among the intriguing artefacts in the museum’s collection.
In terms of the natural world, Amasya stands out from the rest of Anatolia due to its narrow mountain valley and its unique undiscovered beauty. The crater lake Lake Borabay, 65 kilometres northeast of Amasya, has a breathtaking landscape and clean air. It is the ideal location for picnicking, being by yourself in nature, fishing (particularly for trout), and playing sports. Other excursion destinations include Omarca National Park and Yedikir Dam Lake. It’s also worthwhile to visit the spa and thermal resort in Terzikoy.