Amasya Castle

Amasya Castle, locally known as Amasya or Harşena Kalesi, lies in the city of the same name, in the province of Amasya in Turkey.

Exactly when Amasya Castle was built is unknown. Archaeological research showed the site was already used by the Hittites. The oldest remains of the present castle date back to the early years of the Kingdom of Pontus, which existed between 281 BC and 62 AD. It was severely damaged during the wars between the Romans and the Pontic kings.

In 1075, when it was a Byzantine stronghold, the castle was conquered by the Danishmends who restored it. Later it passed to the Seljuks until it finally was taken by the Ottomans at the end of the 14th century. The Ottoman prince Mehmed I was installed as the governor of Amasya by his father; the sultan Bayezid I. During the invasion of the Turco-Mongol troops of Timur in the first years of the 15th century, Mehmed took refuge in the castle.

The Ottomans restored Amasya Castle and used it until the 18th century, then it lost its military importance and was abandoned.

The castle was built on a mountain, towering above the Yeşilırmak River (the ancient Iris). It consists of a lower and upper castle and there are a couple of tunnels, dug out of the rock, which probably lead down to the river. These tunnels however are not accessible. In the sheer cliffs under the castle walls are the rock cut tombs of the kings of Pontus.

Amasya Castle can be visited for a fee. A great castle ruin, together with the attractive old Ottoman neighborhood next to the river and the tombs of the Pontic Kings, I surely recommend a visit.

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