Amasya

Introducing Amasya

Set in a ravine hemmed in between two great ridges of rock, bisected by the Yeşilırmak River, lined with fairytale Ottoman houses, Amasya has a certain fantasy air about it, an ethereal quality to the organic loveliness of the location that makes it feel almost as if it shouldn’t exist at all. Luckily, though, it does.

Locals show great pride in their town, which they are anxious to share with any visitors fortunate enough to come this way.

Capital of the modern province of the same name, Amasya was once the capital of a great Pontic kingdom. Its dramatic setting complements its numerous historic buildings, especially the rock-hewn tombs of the kings of Pontus and some fine old mosques and medreses. Against this rugged backdrop, the sensitively restored half-timbered houses seem even more attractive, whether lit by sunlight or shrouded in snow.

Amasya is also famed for its apples, which give autumn visitors just one more thing to sink their teeth into. A walk along the river can be all you need to fall in love with the place.

Last updated: Oct 3, 2008