Cliffs directly above the Yesilirmak river hold a row of tombs carved for the kings of Pontus, a Hellenistic-era dynasty that ruled from Amasya starting in the 3rd century BC, and the scale of the carving, chambers cut deep into solid rock high above the modern town, still catches visitors off guard walking along the riverbank below. Amasya's own historian Strabo, writing in antiquity, described his home city in enough detail that much of what's known about the tombs and the dynasty comes from his account.
Later, under the Ottomans, Amasya took on a different role as a training ground for young princes sent here to govern before inheriting the throne, and the riverside Ottoman houses that survive today, timber-framed and painted white, date largely from that period of administrative importance. Walking the length of the old town along the Yesilirmak, with the ancient tombs visible on the cliffs above and Ottoman facades lining the water below, gives a compressed view of roughly two thousand years of continuous settlement in one relatively short stretch.
Rock-Cut Pontic Tombs
Carved directly into cliffs above the Yesilirmak river, these tombs held the kings of Pontus, a Hellenistic-era dynasty ruling from Amasya from the 3rd century BC. Much of what's known about them comes from the writings of Strabo, the ancient historian and Amasya native.
Ottoman Riverside Houses
Under the Ottomans, Amasya served as a training city for young princes preparing to govern, and the timber-framed, white-painted houses lining the Yesilirmak today date largely from that period of administrative importance.
The Yesilirmak Valley
Walking the old town along the riverbank puts the ancient rock-cut tombs on the cliffs above and Ottoman-era facades along the water in the same frame, a compressed view of roughly two thousand years of continuous settlement.
What Bus Hire Costs in Amasya
As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Amasya runs around 3,500 to 5,700 TRY per day, a midi-coach (around 29 seats) around 5,700 to 9,200 TRY per day, and a full-size coach (49 seats) around 8,500 to 13,800 TRY per day. Amasya's pricing stays on the lower side, with a modest lift through spring and autumn heritage-touring season. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges -- send your details for a free quote.
Quick Facts
- Country: Turkey
- Airport: nearest is Merzifon (MZH), approx. 25km
- Currency: TRY (Turkish Lira)
- Drives on: Right
- Language: Turkish
- Population: approx. 335,000 (province)
- Demand: Medium, spring and autumn lift
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