Sinop travel
situated on a narrow peninsula at Turkey’s
northernmost point, Sinop is like a Black Sea
island with its good-natured people and streets
where time passes slowly.
Development of the Pontic Greek Dialect
Will Pontic Greek continue to be spoken? Bortone
(2009) believes Pontic Greek spoken in the
Pontos in Asia Minor today will probably
disappear. The challenge is to keep the Pontic
Greek dialect alive. The more recent work of
researchers like Emeritus Professor Peter
Mackridge, Assistant Professor Pietro Bortone,
Dr Theofanis Malkidis, Ömer Asan, Dr Anthi
Revithiadou and Dr Vassilios Spyropoulos have
increased our knowledge of the dialect.
Time For to Discover the Black Sea Highlands
Discover the Black Sea
highlands in September when time is suddenly
rent by a blanket of fog or the cry of a
vulture, and make the acquaintance of nature in
its most beautiful aspect.
Formation of the First Greek Settlements in the
Pontos
According to Liddell and Scott’s An Intermediate
Greek-English Lexicon, the word Pontos stands
for the sea, especially the open sea. In time,
the word Pontos became associated with the
north-eastern portion of Asia Minor that borders
the Black Sea (see Map 1).1 The Greeks first
called the Black Sea, Aξεινος πóντος
(inhospitable, unfriendly pontos), but later it
was called Εϋξεινος πóντος (hospitable pontos)
when they became aware of its wealth in the
lands around it ...
Crypto-Christians of the Trabzon Region
of Pontos
The crypto-Christians (also called cryphi,
klosti, Stavriotes, Kromledes) were Christian
Greeks who due to the Muslim persecution against
Christians publicly declared themselves Muslims.
However, in secret, they upheld their Greek
language, customs and Christian religious
practices...
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you like Karalahana? Please share us!
Kackars Wonderland in the
clouds
Glacier
lakes on one
side, yellow
rhododendrons
on the
other, the
Kaçkars
offer an
inviting
natural
environment.
Leaving Rize
behind, we
start our
adventure
through the
Ayder, Lower
Kavron and
Upper Kavron
Highlands
Ilgaz
National Park ski center travel Turkey *for
winter vacation
Even if
you like it, snow in the city wears a person
out. And if it catches the city unawares, it can
mean some pretty tense and annoying days. Dense
snowfall in a virgin, unspoiled natural
environment in contrast, white as far as the eye
can see, is not an ordeal but a pleasure. And
Ilgaz, with its natural beauty and texture, can
afford you that pleasure.
Gorele -
Modern
Coralla
Kerasus
Giresun
A misty
green
plateau
recedes into
the
distance.
The tinkle
of goat
bells
mingles with
the strains
of a
'kemençe'.
The local
folk sway
back and
forth in
native
costume.
This is
Black Sea
Giresun's
'Görele'
and, as its
name
indicates,
it's well
worth
seeing.
Smoky mountains and secluded lakes Borcka
Savsat
Imagine a
lake secluded amidst pine trees in the foothills
of the mountains... Another of the Black Sea's
hidden treasures confronts me at Borçka. From
there I head first to Macahel on the Georgian
border with its natural beauty and beautiful
people, and then to the endless valleys of
Şavşat |
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Travel Turkey
Turkey considered as the gateway between Europe
and Asia is an Eurasian country located on the
Mediterranean stretching across the Anatolian
peninsula in southwest Asia and the Balkan
region of southeastern Europe. It is bordered by
the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea, the Aegean Sea
and Mediterranean Sea. Turkey is a
fascinating country where many important
civilizations have flourished since 9,000 BC.
Turkey was home from the ancient Hittites,
Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines to the
Ottomans which have left behind them superb
architectural, archaeological and historical
heritage. Modern Turkey is a secular and
democratic Moslem country, founded in 1920 by
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and from that time,
Turkey has been suffering big changes and one of
the most notable is its rapidly economic
development. Despite of its traditional and
Islam roots, Turkey is decidedly western
oriented country and today is considered as a
candidate to be part of the European Union,
which will permit to the country grow up more.
Read More
Travel Turkey
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Istanbul Travel guide
Istanbul is often described as
"the crossroads of Europe and
Asia"...
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TURKEY TRAVEL TIPS:
More info
More about Turkish language
Job Search in Turkey
Short History of Turkey
The Communications in Turkey
Real Estate in Turkey
Insurance in Turkey
The
currency used in Turkey, Turkish currency
Istanbul hospitals and doctors
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Our
Photo
Gallery
Folklore and Ethnographic materials
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From Karalahana Travel Forum
Artvin travel
Autumn in the south Rize
province on the eastern Black Sea
Macahel Artvin: TURKEY'S
NEXTDOOR NEIGHBOR GEORGIA
A Laz tradition: Hawking in
Turkey’s East Black Sea region
Black Sea Cuisine, Pontos
culinary and recipes
Pontic Mountains of Turkey:
The Kaçkars travel tips and photos
Borçka – Şavşat, Macahel on
the Georgian border
Highlands of Black Sea
Regions
The Eastern Black Sea
mountains travel tips and photos
Gümüşhane travel tips,
Arygryopolis travel photos
Turkey's Black Sea Coast
travel, Pontos travel tips, photos and info
All about Pontic-Anatolian
Greeks
Trabzon travel tips, travel
guide and Trabzon travel photos
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With its dramatic
mountain-and-riverside setting, its
lovely/stunning old houses, mosques and
antiquities, Amasya is among Turkey's
undiscovered treasures. taken to show lovely
colours and uniqueness of the Amasya Houses.
Miniature effect was employed in order to lead
eyes to the houses (Photo: Sedat Ozkanca,
Flickr)
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.
.jpg)
Amasya from above
(Photo: Sinan Doğan, Flickr)
Beyazid Mosque Amasay Turkey
AMASYA TURKEY
PLACES TO SEE
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. The major sights of the city include the
whitewashed Ottoman houses lined by the river
and the ancient Pontic rock tombs engraved on
the side of the mountain overlooking the city.
The recently restored Clock Tower.
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.
Tombs of the kings of Pontus
On the rock of Harşena above the town is the
terraced site of the royal palace and the
tombs of the kings of Pontus (illuminated at
night) which, although not kept in the best
condition, are an impressive sight from the
town. There are 5 unit tombs placed at slope
of Amasya Castle that all are engraved on the
lime stone rocks which rocks extended like a
straight wall With the construction and
location properties they take attention at the
first sight Their surroundings engraved till
they completely separated from the main rock,
than they reunite to the main rock with stairs
There are some ones large and some ones small
totally 18 rock tomb units present The famous
geographer Strabon (BC 63 - AC 5) whom born at
Amasya, delivers an information that Rock
tombs was belonged to Pontus Kings.
AynalıCave (Rock Tomb) is approximately three
kilometres away from city centre, and on the
way of Ziyaret district which way separated to
the right from surrounding high way towards
Samsun It is the best - decorated and
completed tomb among other King Rock Tombs At
the vault section there are 6 pictures on each
right and left walls, which figure out 12
disciple And there are some figures that
include men and women on the west and east
walls, although there is a composition figure
contains the Jesus, the Virgin Mary and
Disciple on east wall.
Harsene Kalesi – A
fortification, mentioned by Strabo and largely
rebuilt in medieval times also lies in ruins
on a rocky outcrop above the town. And in the
district of Nerkis lies some remainsN of
another castle, Enderun Kalesi. It is placed
on precious rocks named Harşane mountain at
the west of Yeşilırmak river and city centre
There are 4 main gates in castle, which are
named Belkıs, Saray (palace), Maydonos and
Meydan (Puublic Square), there is an water
well named Cilanbolu in castle too, moreover
water hole and dungeon present in castle A
laddered under ground way from the castle that
reach to 70 meter below river towards the
kings tombs dated to 3rd century BC.
Bimarhane - Today's Conservatory
The town itself has many historically and
architecturally valuable buildings, including
the Ferhat aqueduct, the 13th century Seljuk
Burmali Mosque, the 14th century Ilkhan
Bimarhane Mental Hospital with lovely reliefs
around its portal, the tomb of 15th century
scholar Pir Ilyas and the 15th century mosque
of Yildirim Beyazit. Unfortunately, Amasya is
vulnerable to earthquakes which have damaged
many monuments (most recently in 1939). There
are a number of well-preserved traditional
Ottoman Turkish mansions, some of the best
examples of Turkish domestic architecture. The
19th century Hazeranlar Konağı has been
carefully restored and includes a small art
gallery and ethnographical museum. Other
wooden houses are being restored as hotels and
guest houses. Hazeranlar Mansion Hazeranlar
mansion is the most beautiful mansion at Yalı
boyu (across the waterside residence) houses
series Mansion is one of the most elegant
civil architecture samples of Ottoman period
Mansion built by Defterdar Hasan Talat Efendi
for the name of his sister Hazeran Hanım at
the year of 1872.
File:An example of
traditional ottoman wooden hauses - yalıboyu
houses.jpg
An example of traditional
ottoman wooden hauses - yalıboyu houses
The
Archaeological Museum of Amasya has a large
and interesting collection, of artefacts from
many eras of antiquity, including the mummies
of the Ilkhanli rulers of Amasya. Saraydüzü
Casern, this building reconstructed in 2009
and opened. The importance of Saraydüzü Casern
is that, Amasya Circular(genelge) was signed
in that historical building in 12 June 1919.
Atatürk wrote here about Amasya Circular.
Building was destroyed. Today, Saraydüzü
Casern is war of liberation museum and using
for conferences, meetings, speeches etc.
Basically, it is used as a congress center.
Saraydüzü Casern
A
number of tombs of Muslim saints, yatır, said
to emanate healing powers. The sick and dying
come to breathe the air and drink the waters
of nearby springs.
FerhatWaterCanal canal
was built at the Hellenistic Period to fulfil
city's water necessity, it has approximately
75 width and 18 kilometers long It was built
with processes of digging canals based on the
balance system, carving some tunnels and
bounding brick walls at some places.
Sultan
Bayezıt II Kulliye (Center): Kulliye
constructed in the name of Sultan Bayezit II
in 1485 - 86; is composed of mosque, theology
school, charitable establishment, monument and
şadırvan (water tank with a fountain). It is
the advanced final sample of the mosque with
side place (L planned) architecture,
constructed during the last quarter of the
15th century. There are two minarets of the
mosque There are theology school at west and
charitable establishment and guest - house at
east Old plane tress at the level of both
minarets, are estimated to be as old as
kulliye.
Lake Borabay (65 km northeast of
Amasya in the district of Taşova) is a crater
lake with an impressive view and fresh air. It
is a perfect area for fishing (especially
trout), picnicking and sports.
Borabay Lake
Other
excursion sites from Amasya include Yedikir
reservoir and Omarca National Park.
Terziköy thermal spring is one of the most
important springs of the province Gözlek
thermal spring, Hamamözü (Arkut Bey) thermal
spring and Ilısu thermal spring are the other
thermal springs of Amasya.
.jpg)
Amasya What to do
Stroll along the river walk along with
Amasya's townspeople. In the summer months,
the street is closed at night because so many
people are out.
Go to the already-mentioned
tombs (3 TL, accessible by a staircase in the
"old" section of town) and the castle. The
castle is free to enter, but requires a car to
get to it. It shouldn't be more than 20 TL
roundtrip if you are coming from the city
center.
The Bimarhane, built during the
Mongol period, was the first mental health
research facility that used music to treat its
patients. For the past 75 years or so, it had
been the home of Amasya's music conservatory
in honor of its past, but has recently
re-opened as a museum in tribute to the
ground-breaking man who did research here.
Entrance is 3 TL.
Most buses stop near the
The Amasya Belediye (Municipal) Museum. It's a
typical museum in Turkey, containing objects
from the province that date from the early
Greek period through the end of the Ottoman
dynasty. Of particular note are the mummies
from the Mongol period, preserved by the air
of their mountain tombs. A bit gruesome but
fascinating and unexpected.
Amasya's
largest mosque complex is dedicated to Beyazid
II. It is on the riverside and a very
prominent site in town. Today, the complex
also houses the city library (formerly a law
school) as well as a soup kitchen and a
miniature museum of Amasya. If you decide to
give up the 3 TL for the miniature museum,
make sure to stay for a full day-night cycle.
Amasya was a religious and political center
for central Anatolia, and there are many small
mosques that date back to pre-Ottoman times.
The Gok Medrese Camii is on the edge of town
opposite the otogar, and has a türbe
(mausoleum/shrine of a holy person) in front
of it. There is a "house of suffering" that
you can get to if you walk up the hill from
the town square, which was an important Alevi
pilgrimage spot, as its founder's turbe is
nearby. You can go into the "suffering house"
now that it's no longer in use, and explore
the small cells men would live in for months
at a time, with little food and water and
outside contact, simply reading the Qur'an and
meditating on it.
There are two separate
wax museums, one dedicated to the 7 Padishahs
and one dedicated to Anatolian life in the
16-19th centuries. Like everything else
mentioned, they are 3 TL. Not really
recommended, however.
Amasya has several
very old, nice hamams. Near the Bimarhame is
Mustafa Bey hamami, which is a beautifully
restored building that includes a swiss-style
sauna room, and has service as good as any
hamam in Istanbul for half the price. Yildiz
hamam, in the old part of town, is dirty.
Kumacik hamam, between the otogar and the town
square on the riverside, is a small hamam
which boasts of a pool. They are all
single-sex, open to men from 6-10 AM, women
10AM-5PM, and men again 5PM-12. There are
special days in the week for working women to
come at night, and the weekends are generally
reserved entirely for men. Check with the
hamams ahead of time; if you are staying at a
hotel they can call and ask for you.
Amasya Map
Amasya Turkey road map *click to enlarge
TURKEY TRAVEL TIPS:
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to get there Gow to get t oTurkey?
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Turkey?
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bring to Turkey?
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read for Turkey travel?
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Turkey
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in Turkey travel?
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it?
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stay in Black Sea region Turkey travel?
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some usefull words in Turkey travel
Place names
in turkey
More info
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Turkish language
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Search in Turkey
Short History of Turkey
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Real
Estate in Turkey
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in Turkey
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