Abstract:

In this study, the restorations undergone by churches located within the boundaries of Amasya province during the Ottoman Empire period are discussed. The research is primarily based on documents found in the Presidential Archives, the Directorate of State Archives, and the Ottoman Archives. These documents contain important information revealing the restoration process of non-Muslim monuments. Through archival research, it was determined that there were efforts to restore and reconstruct seven churches in Amasya during the Ottoman period. Among these, Amasya Aya Yorgi Church, Gümüşhacıköy Surp Agop Church, Gümüşhacıköy Armenian Church, Merzifon Bayat Village Church, and Ziyaret Town Greek Church have not survived to the present day. The outer walls of Merzifon Aya Varvara Greek Church and Merzifon Protestant Church have survived intact, but alterations have been made to their interiors. The documents provide enlightening information about the factors that led to restorations and how restoration requests were made. It is observed that restorations were generally requested due to the deterioration of the structure over time or the inadequacy of the physical space as the congregation grew. When a restoration request was made, the specific procedures were clearly outlined, and cost schedules and plan drawings were used to concretize the situation. Requests from the non-Muslim congregation were generally accepted. However, it is generally understood that restorations were requested without raising and expanding the old structure, as long as there was a sufficient population in the church's location.

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