INFORMATION
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Amasya
Amasya is an incredibly charming town standing
out with its lush flora amid dry North Cenral Anatolia. It is located
in a river valley that later becomes a gorge, many acting as natural
fortresses of
huge rocks, in
certain parts hanging down the cliffs. 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 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 governers to practice statemenship.