Abstract:

Aim of this study is to establish a research about the historic phases of the built environment of the city of Amasya, Turkey. For this purpose, first the overall historic and geographic knowledge about Amasya are going to be evaluated, and then, each period is going to be analyzed in detail. For geographic facts, Amasya was built on the narrow valley of the Yesilirmak River. This reality forced city to enlarge on North-South axis, as each East and West sides are occupied by ineligible high mountains. More, central river forced people to build plenty of bridges in each historic period as the city enlarges. In terms of historic facts, on the other hand, four major periods in urban Amasya are determined as follows: (I) Pontus-Rome-Byzantine period, (II) Danismends-Seljukid-Ilkhanid period, (III) Ottoman period, and (IV) Republic era. The prominent buildings of each period will be handled and interperiod relationships are going to be examined. As many cities discussed in scope history of architecture theme, also Amasya has myths, symbolic landmarks, recreational areas, public experiences, and recent governmental zone plans. More, some buildings were prepared for hidden purposes such as city defense or missionary goals. Some insights into why and how these buildings were erected are going to be pushed forward and some architectural critics are going to be judged in the final.

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