Amasya

Now heading west for a few hundred meters, we come to Sultan II Beyazit Kulliye on the right side of the road, that is, the mosque complex of Sultan Beyazid II. Created in 1486 r. the mosque is the largest and one of the most beautiful Islamic mosques in Amasya. The complex was funded by the eldest son, Bejazid II, Prince Ahmed, who was the steward of Amasya (Selim, however, succeeded his father 1, who won and killed his brother Ahmed). The mosque is situated in a large garden facing the river. The two minarets on the sides of the portico differ in decorations, but they reach the same height. The portico is five parts, and its arcades are made up of squat ones, ended with stalactite capitals of columns and gentle arches. The prayer room is covered with two large domes, the first part is accompanied on the sides by three small rooms vaulted with small domes. The complex also includes a madrasah (to the right, if we are facing the river; today it houses a public library), hospice, that is, the kitchen for the poor (to the right) and the tomb (at the southwest corner of the mosque). There are two more ablution fountains in front of the temple (sadiran), one big, and the other is much smaller.

After returning to Ataturk Cad. we go right and on the opposite side of the street we see Amasya Miizesi (Amasya Museum), open from. 8.00 – 17.00 (with an hour and a half break at noon), introduction: 0,7 USD, students: 0,35 USD. (At the time of writing the guide, the museum was under renovation, which according to plans should end in the season 2003). The museum's archaeological collection dates back to the period between the Bronze Age and the arrival of the Turkish tribes. From the Hittite times are exhibited, among others. clay vessels and an interesting bronze statuette depicting the storm god Teszub (dated for years 1400 – 1200 p.n.e.). Other exhibits are no less interesting, and they represent civilization: Urartian, Phrygian, Greek and Roman (including Byzantine) and early Seljuk. The ethnographic collection includes Seljuk and Ottoman exhibits, m.in. machinery, kilims or various types of weapons. Various elements of ancient architecture are displayed in the garden (including an interesting Roman sarcophagus), and the turbe of the Seljuk ruler Ruknettin Mesud I. (1116-56). The tomb itself was not built until the 14th century. during the reign of the Ilhan dynasty in Amasya. Today it hides mummies of prominent representatives of this dynasty.

We keep going west along Ataturk Cad., on the left we pass Halifet Gazi Turbesi, Seljuk tomb from the mid-12th century. After approx. 100 m finally we come to one of the most important monuments in Amasya – Gok Madrasa Mosque (Blue Medresa Mosque). It is a Seljuk madrasah, tomb and mosque in one – created in 1267 r. from the foundation of Emir Seyfettin Torumtay, the rulers of Amasya during the reign of Keyco-investigates II. Free standing, a large tiirbe before the Gok Medrese Camii was established in 1278 r. Torumtay himself and members of his family are buried there. The entrance to the mosque-madrassa-tomb is through the tall, deep livan (should. balcony), that is, a kind of portal recess, on the sides of which there are two windows decorated with a stalactite motif. Tomb, vaulted with a pyramidal dome, set on a tall drum with niches, it is located on the left side of the prayer room. The building takes its name from the turquoise tiles decorating the drum, the remains of which are still clearly visible. Along the main hall, divided into three aisles by two rows of columns, there are several domed rooms.

There are several other historic buildings in Amasya, such as mosques or numerous tombs. The Yorguc Pasa Camii deserve more attention, Fethiye Mosque oraz Kucuk Aga Madrasa. The first monument is located in front of the Gok Medrese, on the opposite side of Atatirk Cad. It is an Ottoman mosque complex (heather) built in 1428 r. by the vizier Yorguc, serving Mehmed I.. In addition to the mosque, it includes a madrasah and a hospital located around the courtyard. The tomb of the founder is located in the temple, consisting of two domed rooms and side rooms. It leads to the interior quite original, marble portico, the main part of which resembles a livan. Inside, it is worth paying attention to the domes and walls richly decorated with arabesques. To the second monument, Fethiye Mosque, we will come, heading south from Burmali Minare Camii. It is a former Byzantine church turned into 1117 r. at the mosque. Only in 1812 r. a minaret was added. Unfortunately 100 years later, the temple was destroyed by fire and today only the apse and part of the walls are original. Outside of prayer hours, the mosque is closed, but we can try to enter, by pulling the handle coupled to the steel cord, which will open the door for us. Kucuk Aga Medrese is located near Buyuk Aga Medrese, on the north side of the river. Having crossed Kus Kóprusu, we go straight, to the first major right turn. We turn left into the street, to soon be at the small mosque of Samlar (we recognize him by the brick minaret), where there is an even smaller madrasah. The complex was built at the end of the 15th century. along with a large madrassa in the south, also funded by Huseyin Aga. Today the premise is neglected, but the courtyard, which is covered with trees and situated in seclusion, makes a pleasant impression.