AMASYA

Amasya is an incredibly charming town known for its lush flora set in dry North Central Anatolia. Located in a river valley that later becomes a gorge, huge rocks resembling natural fortresses hang down the cliff-sides. Amasya has an amazingly rich history. Local historian and geographer Strabo notes that it was shortly after Christ's birth, that Amasya was founded by the Amazon Queen Amasis. As far as it is historically evident, Amasya was first a Hittite settlement, passing to Alexander the Great. During the power vacuum in Anatolia after his death, Amasya became the base for the Pontus kingdom. Selçuk Turks who took over the town during their expansion in Anatolia adorned it with distinctive architectural features. After the Mogul invasions that terrorized Anatolia, Amasya passed into Ottoman rule. The Ottomans contributed much to beautifying Amasya, as it was one of the pilot towns where the crown princes ruled as governors to practice statesmanship.