Amasya: Rock Tombs, Museums and Ottoman History

Amasya brings together several cultural and historical themes: rock-cut royal tombs, diverse museum collections and buildings from the Ottoman period. When choosing a destination, you can consider whether you are especially interested in archaeology, exhibited objects or architecture.

Rock Tombs and City History

The Kral-Kaya-Mezarlari were carved for the Pontic kings during the Hellenistic period into the steep limestone cliffs at the foot of Amasya Castle. Along the Yeşilırmak Valley, 21 larger and smaller tombs are known; only a few survive today. The tombs thus shape both Amasya’s archaeological history and its historic cultural landscape. Together with the castle, they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2015.

For guidance before your visit: a staircase to the Kral-Kaya-Mezarlari begins by the railway line in the Hatuniye district. As local access conditions may change, check them before your visit.

Museum Collections from Different Periods

The Amasya Museum displays stonework from the Hittite, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Ilkhanid, Seljuk and Ottoman periods in its museum garden. A dedicated section is devoted to 14th-century mummies from the Ilkhanid period. The collection also includes distinctive individual pieces: a bronze statuette of the Hittite storm god Tešup is displayed in a special case in the archaeology section. Wooden window shutters bearing a Kayı Boyu symbol are also on display; this is the only example of its kind identified within the provincial boundaries of Amasya.

These objects offer different points of focus: the mummies refer to the Ilkhanid period, while the statuette and window shutters provide further specific examples from the collection. Visitors who want to get to know Amasya beyond its individual landmarks will also find museum exhibits from several periods and object groups.

Ottoman Architecture in the Cityscape

The Yalıboyu Houses are considered elegant examples of late Ottoman architecture. They are in the city center on the banks of the Yeşilırmak, on Hazeranlar Street in the Hatuniye district. Their location and their place in late Ottoman architecture make them a distinct architectural point of interest in Amasya.

Another historic building is the II Bayezid Complex. It was built between 1481 and 1486 by Amasya’s governor, Şehzade Ahmet, for Sultan II Bayezid. The complex is in the city center, in the Hacı İlyas district, on the Şehzadeler promenade. The Sultaniye Madrasa is part of the complex and has been used as the Provincial Public Library since 1922. Its construction history and subsequent use show two different sides of the same building.

Stories at the Ferhat and Şirin Lovers’ Museum

The Ferhat and Şirin Lovers’ Museum is located at the site known as the Ferhat Water Channel. It presents the stories of Ferhat and Şirin, Kerem and Aslı, Leyla and Mecnun, Mimar Sinan and Mihrimah Sultan, as well as Romeo and Juliet. The exhibition concept includes two- and three-dimensional silicone models, sculptures and reliefs, along with period-themed decor, special effects, lighting and music. Unlike the archaeological objects at the Amasya Museum, the focus here is on love stories and how they are brought to life.

This gives you a clear choice of themes when planning your trip: the Kral-Kaya-Mezarlari represent archaeological history, the Amasya Museum collections from several periods, and the Yalıboyu Houses and II Bayezid Complex architectural history. The Ferhat and Şirin Lovers’ Museum adds staged stories to these highlights.

Discover more destinations: Saraycık, Hıdırlar Köyü, Aydınlık Köyü, Merzifon, Gözlek, Şahinler Köyü, Hamamözü, Helvacı.

For the broader travel overview: Amasya.