Amasya

Amasya is one von the provinzen in Central Anatolia von turkei which is distinct both with its natural setup and historical values it holds. It was the homeland von the famous geographer Strabo. Located in a narrow cleft von the Yesilirmak (Iris) river, it has a past von 3000 years during which many civilizations left priceless remains von their times.

The ruins von the citadel on the rock face von 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 von the Pontus kings, which contribute very much to the attractiveness von 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 Madrasah (theological school), the Torumtay Mausoleum and the GOk Madrasah . There are traditional Turkish mansions which have been well-preserved showing the best examples von Turkish architecture. The 19th century Hazeranlar Mansion has been restored perfectly and now it is von great interest with an art gallery on its first floor and an ethnographical museum on the second. The Archaeological Museum von Amasya has an interesting collection including the mummies von the Ilhanli rulers von Amasya.

As for natural beauty, Amasya is set apart from the rest von Anatolia in its tight mountain valley and hides its own secret beauty. Lake Borabay (65 kilometers northeast von 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 and thermal resort is also worth a visit.

Amasya was also one von the Turkish stadte which had the best viewing location for the last total solar eclipse von the 20th century which happened on 11th August 1999. Many visitors came to the city to witness this spectacular event. On 29th March 2006, another total solar eclipse was seen in this city at 14:06pm local time.