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AMASIA, AMASYA, AMASEIA
historically
Amaseia , or Amasia city, capital of Amasya il
(province), northern Turkey, on the Yeşil River,
also called the Iris River. Capital of
the kings of Pontus until about 183 BC, it was
made a free city and the administrative centre
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 Dānişmend
emirs until annexed by the Seljuq ruler Qïlïc
Arslan a century later. It became a major centre
of learning in Anatolia after being incorporated
into the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Bayezid I
(reigned 1389–1402).
Beautifully situated in a narrow gorge with
renowned orchards, it was much favoured by the
early Ottomans; crown princes often served as
governors. A castle mentioned by the ancient
geographer Strabo, who was born there, now lies
in ruins on the summit of a rock, though it was
restored during Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Notable medieval buildings include several
mosques and a library. Old buildings are
concentrated on the heavily populated southern
side of the river, connected to the north by
five bridges. Many monuments were damaged by
earthquakes in 1734, 1825, and 1939.
Amasya, between the Black Sea and inner
Anatolia, lies at the centre of a region of
fertile plains crossed by the Yeşil, Çekerek,
and Tersakan rivers. Regional economic
activities include agriculture, mining,
textiles, and cement production. Pop. (1985)
city, 53,431.
Amasya is one of the provinces in Central Anatolia of Turkey which
is distinct both with its natural setup and historical values it
holds. It was the homeland of the famous geographer Strabo. Located
in a narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris) river, it has a past of
3000 years during which many civilizations left priceless remains of
their times.
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 Ottoman Palace and a secret underground passageway. On the rock
faces there are impressive rock tombs of the Pontus kings, which
contribute very much to the attractiveness of the city. At night,
when they are illuminated, the view is unforgettable.
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.
As for natural beauty, Amasya is set apart from the rest of Anatolia
in its tight mountain valley and hides its own secret beauty. Lake
Borabay (65 kms northeast of Amasya) is a crater lake with an
amazing view and fresh air. It is a perfect area for fishing
(especially trout), for picnicking and for being alone with nature
and doing some sports. Yedikir Dam Lake and Omarca National Park are
other excursion sites. Terzikoy spa center, a thermal resort, is
also worth a visit.
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 11th August 1999. Many visitors came to the city to
witness this spectacular event. Now, on 29th March 2006, there will
be another total solar eclipse in this city wich can be seen at
14:06pm local time.
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