Amasya (History)

The Origin Of The Name Of Amasya

It is konown that there had been
founder (ktistes) gods or heros in many Anatolian
cities during the Prehistoric period. This mythologic foundation is also true for Amasya.

It is agreed that Hermes was the founder of Amasya, the information was got from the inscription ERMHC  KTICAC  THN  POLIN which is on an Amasya coin belongs to the period of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (A.D. 193-211).

After this short explanation, we can come to the short history of the origin of Amasya name;

According to the Hittite documentaries, it is thought that the first known name of Amasya is Hakmiş [Khakm(p)is]. It is estimated that this name had gone on until The Persians conquered Amasya.

Amasya’s name during the Kingdom Of Mitridates rule was “Amasseia”. AMASSEİA expression can be clearly seen on the Amasya city coins which were coinaged after A.D 2nd century. Geographer Strabon had already used Amaseia for Amasya.

The word Amaseia means “Ana” ( mother) and 'Ama' especially aims to “The Mother Goddess” and it is related with the 'Ma' expression which is the variation of “Ama”. So, we can say that Amaseia means “The city of The Mother Goddess Ma”.

The Mother Goddess Ma was a Goddess whose origin was eastern. Worshipping her became extended after The Persians conquered Anatolia. At the same time, this Goddess was the local goddess of Mitridates and Cappadocia. The expression Amaseia was the adapted form of Hellen language from its real form in the period of Persians.

During the Romans rule, Amaseia name used as AMACIAC (Amasia) without changing many much. For example, we can see AMACIAC name on the Amasya city coins which were coinaged during Emperor Septımıus Severus, Caracalla, and Severus Alexander rules.

It is known that Amasia name was also used during the Byzantium Period.

The name of Amasya was sometimes used as Amasiyye, or it was sometimes used as Şehr-i Haraşna during Danişmends period.

Amasya name has come to these days without changing from the periods of Seljuks, İlhans, Principalities and Ottoman Empire.

Chalcholitic Age

Hamam Tepe Tumulus in Ovasaray in centre of Amsaya, Sarımeşe Kümbet Tumulus, Kaşapınar Tumulus in Keşlik village, Ayvalıpınar Tumulus in Ayvalıpınar village, Devret Tumulus in Kanatpınar village in Suluova county, Yogurtcu Baba Tumulus in Deveci village.

Bronze Age

It is known that there was a dense population in Amsya in the first period of bronze age (3000-2500 BC). Yassı Tumulus in Amasya Centre, Sallar Tumulus in Gümüşhacıköy county, Tepe Tumulus in Merzifon county, Gediksaray Tumulus in Göynücek county, Türkmenlik Tepe Tumulus in Alakadı village and Kayadüzü Tumulus in Merzifon county can be given as the main examples.

Amasya was in the border line of (Hatti Country) that was mentioned in documents of Mezopotimia (2500-200 BC) Mahmatlar Tumulus connected to Amasya centre was one of the settled places which belenged to Hatti Country. The Hattian founded a powerfull civilization during 2500-200 BC.

Mahmatlar Tumulus was destroyed by the engraves during the smugked excavations. After that these treasures were obtained by offical positions. These treasures that contain gold, silver and bronze objects is important treasures of Hatti civilization.

The Bronze Era / Hittite Period

One of the most significant settlements of Hittites in Amasya is the Doğantepe (Zara) community which is situated in the centre region of Amasya. The bronze statue of the Hittite Storm God Teshup which was found in this town and stemmed from the years 1400 – 1200 B.C. is accepted to be one of the significant Hittite works reaching these days.

Due to the effects of famine and drought during the existence of Hittite’s depressed era, the Kaşgas who were living in the Black sea mountains according to one’s opinion and the Phrygians to another’s opinion who were also in the community who migrated from the Balkans to Anatolia because of attacks of some people, lost their sovereignty at about 1190 B.C. In these years as the result of demolitions, depredations and massacres, the province of Amasya also witnessed the “Dark ages” in Median Anatolia lasting for more than 400 years. But not much information is obtained about this era.

The Iron Age / Phrygian Period

Phrygians who entered the historical arena as a political power after 750 B.C. , expanded their borderlines during the period of King Midas (725-695/675 B.C.) and as a result of this the province of Amasya became a sovereignty field of the Phrygians.

In the year 676 B.C., the Phrygians gave way against the heavy attacks of the Cimmerians who came via the Caucasians and by this way lost their power in a short period and entered a duration of collapse.

The Iron Age / Cimmerian - Scythian Period

The Cimmerians; during their period they became a threat for the states in Anatolia and affected the societies with whom they were once in relation in matters of art.

The Cimmerians spread out in the Black sea region and at this time Amasya and its surrounding remained a field under the sovereignty of the Cimmerian dominion.

There doesn’t exist much work belonging to the Cimmerian era but on the other hand the metallic war tools taken out from a tomb in the “İmirler” village of the district of Gümüshaciköy and were brought to the mausoleum of Amasya, belonging to this era.

The dates 675-585 B.C. in the Anatolian history were the years during which the Cimmerians and Scythians made feel their existence as a significant force. After that time they slowly lost their strength.

In the era in which the Cimmerians live, the Scythians as well can be sighted in the arena of history. As a matter of fact like Herodotus expressed it; The Scythians usually settled on the settlements belonging to Cimmerians. For this reason Amasya and its surrounding witnessed a Scythian sovereignty after the Cimmerian dominance.

The Iron Age / Med – Persian Period

Upon the end of the five year lasting war between the two powerful states of Anatolia, the Lydian and the Meds, the river “Kızılırmak” was admitted as a borderline between these two forces in the year 585 B.C. and upon this the province of Amasya remained a field within the borderlines of the Meds until the Persian sovereignty started.

After a short lasting Med sovereignty, in the year 547 / 46 B.C. Amasya, like the thumping majority of Anatolia, remained a field under the sovereignty of the Persian dominion upon the founder of the Persian Empire Kyros defeated the Lydian king Croesus.

By conquests, the Persians divided the lands which were under their hegemony in twenty parts and appointed governors to these fields. These proconsuls were named with the word “Satrap” which has the meaning “The keeper of the crown”. During this period Amasya remained as a region within the east borderlines of the zone named as the “Cappadocia Satraplığı” for approximately 250 years.

At this time certain parts of the route of the “King Way” which starts from “Sardes” and ends at “Susa” passes from the lowland of Yeşilırmak that also houses Amasya in itself.

Hellenistic Age

At the Issus War taking place in B.C. 333, the Persian forces were defeated against the Great Alexandra , and many parts of Anatolia except for the North Cappadocia Region in which Amasya is located came under the rule of the Macedonian Kingdom, thereby starting a period known as Hellenistic Age and imposing its influence mostly in terms of culture and art. That period is the one which is a synthesis of eastern and western beliefs and cultures.

Upon Alexandra the Great’s death (B.C. 323), a new process began in terms of politics in Anatolia. In this process, Alexandra the Great’s successors could not continue the unity of the Empire and that’s why it was divided into several kingdoms.

During these incidents, Persian Mitridates Ktistes founded the Mitridates Kingdom in B.C.301, and declared Amasya its capital.

In Amasya , having continued its position as a capital for years until V. Mitridates Euergetes transferred the capital to Sinop, began a big construction activity and the city became the centre of culture with this activity, especially in Mitridates Eupator’s reign.

In this period, good relations between Mitridates Kingdom and Roman Empire ,especially during the reign of V. Mitridates were reversed during the reign of Mitridates Eupator (B.C. 111-63) and as a result, long lasting Mitridates battles broke out.

Finally in B.C.63 when Eupator was defeated in the battle between Mitridates Eupator and the army of Roman General Pompeius, Amasya was conquered by Roman soldiers. Later on, Pompeius,ending the reign of the Mitridates Kingdom and combining his lands with Bithynia Region, formed Bithynia-Mitridates State . Consequently, Amasya and its surrounding came under the reign of Rome.

Cremia King II. Pharnakes, the son of Mitridates Eupator, succeded in getting back the land of the Midridates Kingdom for a while due to the civil wars in the Roman Empire, but upon being defeated in the battle with the Roman troops commanded by Ceaser near Zela (Zile) in B.C. 47, the land including Amasya came under the reign of the Roman Empire once again.

Roman Period

When the Parths occupied the region as far as Caria, the Roman Emperor Antonius defeated the Parths by the help of his commanders and sent them away from Anatolia. After this incident, Antonius came to Anatolia and had some legal kingdoms established in order to form a tampon region between his own land and that of the Parths, so that he could prevent any Parth attacks. As a consequence of this, in B.C.39, the Mitridates Region inluding Amasya as well was given to Dorius, the son of II. Pharnakes.

Amasya, in this period, was an important city which was the metropolis of the Mitridates Glaticus Region. In B.C. 25 ,the Emperor Augustus (B.C. 27- A.D.14) founded the Provincia Galatia and joined the Mitridates Region and several others to this province.

During the reign of the Roman Empire , Amasya with a provincial status became the centre of the road system between provinces. For instance, the roads of Galatia and Cappadocia used to have an end in Amasya.

Beginning from the reign of Emperor Domitianus (A.D.81-96) until that of Severus Alexandra (A.D.222-235) , the city coins were known to be minted in Amasya. Now, most of these coins are included in the coin collection of Amasya Museum.

The city of Amasya became the religious and administrative centre of Diospontus after Emperor Diocletianus and took place among Armenian castles which were Bizantyne’s military provinces from VIII. century onwards.

Seljuk Period

When the Great Seljuk army won the Malazgirt War in 1071, Sultan Alparslan’s high-rank commanders started the attacks against the Middle Anatolia. As a result of these attacks, Bizantyne sovereignity over Anatolia ended and, the commanders who did these conquests founded principalities (beylikler) independent in their internal affairs, after they had got the consent of the Seljuk State.

During this process, Amasya and its surrounding were conquered by Danishmend Ahmet Gazi and Turkish sovereignity started in the region. The battle which was held on 5th August 1101 between Amasya and Merzifon by the troops under the command of Seljuk Sultan Kılıç Arslan and Danishmend Gazi dispersed the Crusaders.

Danishmends’ sovereignity lasting for about a century ended with the conquest of Amasya in 1175 by Seljuk Sultan II. Kılıç Arslan. As a result, the city of Amasya and its surrounding came under the Seljukian sovereignity.

During his long-lasting reign, II. Kılıç Arslan alloted the Seljuk State to his eleven sons and as a result of this allotement, Nizameddin Argunshah owned Amasya. Upon Nizameddin Argunshah’s brother, II. Rükneddin Süleymanshah’s getting hold of the Seljukian sovereignity, Amasya as many other places became a province dependent on this sovereignity.

When the Mongolians became a threat, the Anatolian Seljuk ruler Alaeddin Keykubad gave some provinces to Harezm Beys as a fief (dirlik), so that he could benefit from their experiences. Similarly, Amasya was given to Bereket Han as a fief in this period (1231).

After the reign of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad (1220-1237), the ill-management of the country caused some social disorders in the Seljuk State. Amasya-centred, Babaîler Rebellion which occured in 637H/1239M was the first and foremost of all the social activities in this period.

At this rebellion beginning under the leadership of Baba İlyas Horasanî, Baba İshak Kefersudî launched the practical process of the activity in the village of Kefersud, and during these happenings relating to the rebellion, Amasya witnessed them as an important historic location.

As a result of the spread of the increasing rebellion, Sultan II. Gıyaseddin Keyhusrev withdrew to the Kubadabad Castle as a precaution and meanwhile Hadji Armaganshah who was appointed as Amasya Subaşı was ordered to suppress the Hadji Armaganshah movement.

In the end, Baba İlyas, who was the leader of the Babaîler Rebellion and was suppressed in a bloody way, and hanged in the ramparts of the Amasya Castle after being captured in his tekke by Hadji Armaganshah. When the Seljuk State was defeated by the Mongols in the Kösedağ Battle in 1243, the Mongols started to plunder almost every part of of Anatolia, which took more than a century and Amasya was one of the places to be affected.

The Mongols who invaded Anatolia settled in the Middle Anatolia Region where Amasya was also situated. These settlers were named ‘Tatar’ in general. In this period, those who settled in Amasya were Ca’unğar tribes, also known as left-hand clans.

After the İlhanlı ruler Ebu Said Bahadır Han died in 1335, Sultan Alaeddin Eratna founded the State of Eratna by declaring their independence by the help of Sultan Alaeddin who was the general governer of Anatolia in İlhanlı period and Amasya came under the rule of the State of Eratna in 1341.

In the same year, Amasya was captured by Taceddinoğlu Principality(beylik) whose centre was Niksar. Sultan Eratna kept his silence for a while, but when he got the protection and the support of Eygpt-Memluk Sultan Melih Nasır, he sent Tüli Bey (one of his emirs) towards the invaders.As a result, Tüli Bey got Amasya and its surrounding back from Taceddin Doganshah by the help of the local people in Amasya, thereby ending this invasion.

In this period, Zeyneddin Tüli Bey was the Emir of Amasya, but following his death Hadji Kutlushah was appointed as the Emir in 1347. Then, Şahabeddin Ahmet Shah ,the eldest son of Hadji Kutlushah became the Emir of Amasya in the middle of 1352.

By the year 1356, Kebir Sücaaddin Bey became the Emir ,using his power. However, Şahabeddin Ahmet Shah got this duty back from him again in 1358.

Şadgeldi Pasha, the other son of Hadji Kutlushah was appointed the Emir of Amasya in 1359; later in 1361 Alaaddin Ali Bey , the son of Sücaaddin Süleyman Bey became the Emir. However, in the wake of Kaynar incident, Hadji Şadgeldi Pasha was made himself the Emir of Amasya for the second time.

As the sultans ruling the Province after Sultan Eratna were weak and indulged in pleasure and joy of life, they caused their state authority to lose power and the administrators in charge to get the idea to gain their independence. During these years, the Emir of Amasya, Hadji Şadgeldi Pasha started to act on his own and later declared his own principality.

Durign the reign of Şadgeldi Pasha, considerable construction activities were carried out. Amasya Castle was restored in 1363 and the old minting factory was rebuilt; and then a paper factory was built. It is also known that some construction units such as mosque, medrese and imaret were built in this period.

Fahreddin Ahmet Bey was the son of Hadji Şadgeldi Pasha who died in the battle with Kadı Burhaneddin, the judge (kadı) of the State of Eratna in 1381. He became the Emir of Amasya. Like his father, Fahreddin Ahmet Bey was in a continuous struggle with Kadı Burhaneddin; however, because he could not get anything from that struggle, he offered to give Amasya to the Ottomans in return for another sanjak. Following this exchange, the city entered the Ottoman administration in 1393.

Ottoman Period

During the process when Timur occupied Anatolia at the beginning of the 15th century and started to destroy it to a great extent, Amasya was surrounded for about seven months by Timur’s soldiers.

After Yıldırım Beyazid had been defeated in the Ankara Battle, he was taken a prisoner of war. Then the fights over the Crown came about among the shahzadahs. Çelebi Sultan Mehmet, who tried to continue the Ottoman unity during the collapse known as The Fetret Period and succeeded in doing this, made Amasya his military base in the years of struggle.

In the period when Yakut Pasha was the Emir of Amasya in 1402, Kara Devletshah was appointed the Emir of Amasya by Timur, but Devletshah was so notorious for his being cruel among the lower and upper classes of Amasya that his becoming an Emir was not recognized by them and his entering the city was not permitted. Therefore, Kara Devletshah settled in Kağala/Hakala Village and dominated the rest of the city from here.

Amasya in the Ottoman Period was a sanjak where Shahzadahs carried out their duties from the first half of the 15th century and it was the centre of Eyalet-i Rum as well.

It is known that a Turkmen society known as Kızıl Koca Ogulları, without getting under any disciplines of the present system of that time forced the people living in the area to give them all their possessions and Yörgüç Pasha put this group and their leader to the sword with some tricks.

In the Ottoman Period, one of the important events in Amasya was the social incidents known as Celalî Rebellions. During these incidents taking place especially in the 16th century, Celalî groups moved mostly within the Yeşilırmak valley in which Amasya was located. In this period, great disorders were experienced.

The most important disorder was the one caused by Urfalı Yazici Abdulhalim who was the Sanjak Bey in Amasya at one time. As a result of the events of the year 1603, the supporters of Kara Yazıcı Abdulhalim burnt Amasya. This confusion was so severe that the people of Amasya had to shelter inside the King Rock Tombs with all their possessions.

Amasya was the historic place of an important treaty in the history of the Ottoman Empire. This treaty, signed in the late April 1555 and known as Amasya Treaty in our history, was one of the first and foremost treaties signed with Persia-Safevî Dynasty. In the meantime, Kanunî Sultan Süleyman was living in Amasya.

That Amasya was named “Shahzadahs’ City” in the Ottoman history was due to the fact that many shahzadahs were brought up here. Among these shahzadahs were the ones who later succeeded to the throne such as Çelebi Sultan Mehmet, II.Murat, Fatih Sultan Mehmet and II. Beyazid. In addition, it is known that there were shahzadahs who carried out their duties and then died in Amasya.

The crown place of shahzadahs from the date when it was conquered by the Ottomans onwards, Amasya was excluded from being a shahzadah sanjak after Shahzadah Beyazid fled to Persia in 1559 . Beginning from that year, none of the shahzadahs were on duty in Amasya any longer.

Amasya In The War Of Indepence

Coming of Mustafa Kemal Pasha To Amasya

During the Independence War, Amasya Sanjak which was bound to Sivas Province had an important place.

Mondros Armistice Treaty was signed with Ottoman State which was determined that it was lost in the First World War and Allied States. Allied States commented that Treaty for their own benefits, and then started to occupy Anatolia from place to place. Because of these occupations, Anatolian people founded The Societies for Defence of Rights.

After Izmir was occupied in 15 May 1919, Turkish Society started resistance everywhere in occupied places by constituting The National Resistance Forces, because Padishah and the Govenment didn’t do their duties. However, Ottoman Government had believed that, resistance would cause nonexistence, liberation could be ensured in the care of Enlish.

Because, Mustafa Kemal Pasha had believed that independence would be earned with the Society Movement, liberation wouldn’t be earned with Padishah and the Government, Mustafa Kemal and his friends had landed in Samsun on 19 May 1919 to combine The National Forces to Anatolian Society as an inspector of 9th Army, and then he came to Havza which was boud to Amasya Sanjak.

Mustafa Kemal Pasha had wanted information about Amasya from Major Cemil Vahit (Toydemir) before he left Samsun, and had learnt that the most popular person in Amasya was Müfti Hadji Tevfik. Mustafa Kemal sent a telegram which had a summary of his speeches in Havza and told that he was about to come to Amasya to him from Havza on 26 May 1919, and got a reply as;

“ Amasya Society will be very happy to accept the defenders of the Country, and Defenders of the Religion and State....”

While Amasya people were meeting their guest on Culus Hill, Mufti Hadji Tevfik said to Mustafa Kemal;

“ Pasha! All of Amasya is under your orders.... Your movement be holy!...”

And he hugged and then introduce the people around him.

At this meeting in Amasya, there were those people with Mufti Hadji Tevfik:

The Deputy of the Governor of the Sanjak Mustafa Bey, The Mayor  Topcuzâde Mustafa Bey, Kadı Ali Himmet Efendi, The Fifth Caucasian Fırka Commander Cemil Cahit Bey, Clergyman Abdurrahman Kâmil Efendi, Hodja Bahaeddin Efeni, Mevlevi Şeyhi Cemaleddin Efendi, Veysibeyzade Nafiz Bey, Kurtoğlu Hasan Bey, From Ulema İbadizade Mehmet, Şirvani H. Mahmutefendizade Mehmet, Müderris (Professor) Mehmet Efendi, Teacher Mecdizade Sabri Efendi, Mecdizade Ahmet, Orphans’ Manager Ali Efendi, Hacımahmudzâde Mehmed Efendi, Miralayzâde Hamdi Bey, Kofzâde Hâfız Mustafa Efendi, Şirinzâde Mahmud Efendi, Melekzâde Süleyman Efendi, Kahvecizâde Mehmet Efendi, Mehmed Sırrı Bey, Veysibeyzâde Sıtkı Bey, Seyfizâde Râgıp Efendi, Arpacızâde Hürrem Bey, Topcuzâde Hilmi Bey, Mehmet Ragıp Bey, Yumukzâde Hamdi Efendi, Mumcuzade İsmail Hakkı Paşa, Yörgüçzade Rasim Efendi, Lütfi Bey (Türker), Comissary İsmail Bey, The Assistant of Comissary Osman, Harputizâde Hasan Efendi, Gazeteci Mehmet Sırrı Bey, Polis Cemalettin Efendi, Posta Müdürü Mehmet Ali Bey, Telgrafçı Abdurrahman Rahmi, Jandarma Zabiti Ziya Bey, Harputizade Hasan, Topçuzade Münir, Hacı Alizade Ahmet, Payaslızade Yahya, Bicanzade Süleyman, Yumukosmanzade Hüsnü, Şurutuzade Tevfik, Tiryakizade Tahsin, Hadji Osmanzade Halil, Çauşluzade Ahmet, Temiz Alizade Mehmet, Küsuz Taşanzade Ahmet, Bosnalızade Halim, Yumukzade Ahmet Efendi.

The Speeches Of Mustafa Kemal Pasha To The Society Of Amasya

After the first meeting, the group went to the City with the applouds and cheers of the students and the society.

It was evening when they reached to the Government House. Mustafa Kemal Pasha told those speeches to the crowded people waiting there:

"Dear Amasya People!"

“Padishah and The Government are captives under the control of Allied States. Our country is about to collapse. I came here to cooperate with you to solve this bad situation . We must work together with our all efforts to rescue our country and our independence.”

“Gentilmen!“

“The penetration of the enemy into Izmir, Manisa and Aydin show us the dangers in the future clearly. It is necessary to show the national excitement very lively by making meetings to defend our noble nation. It is necessary to found an organization immediately against to this unbearable, deplorable situation, and it is necessary to transmit effective telegrams to representatives of those big countries.”

“Amasya People!”

“Here and from Havza to ahead will become Pontus. From Sivas to east will be Armanian’s land. Our country will be mandate of English. Turkish Nation which has a great history can’t accept this captivity, Our Nation has a historic honour.”

“Honorable People of Amasya!”

“Struggles started in everywhere in our country. National Fronts were founded in the west of our country thanks to Turkish Patriotics. Adana Front was made in Cenup against to Armanians who cooperated with France. Our forceful guerillas started fighting against to French and Armanians. Struggle against to Armanians were started in Erzurum.”

“Amasya People. Why are you waiting? We must found a Society for Defence of Rights to defend our every right.”

“Amasya People!”

“We will wear our sandals, go up to the mountains, and defend our country untill the last rock will be lost when the enemies come to Samsun. If Allah shows us defeat, we will fire all of our houses, things, and we will make our country wreck and then we will give the country as an empty desert.”

“ Amasya People! let’s swear for this all together."

After, Amasya People who were in the saloon replied with a great enthusiasm ; “All of the Amasya is waiting your orders our Pasha” , Mustafa Kemal Pasha said : “Thank you Amasya people, we will win a victory, we will rescue our country”.

Because of the exhaustion of the day and because the time was late, the guests went to the Saraydüzü Kışlası to stay there.

The next day, ( 13 June 1919) Abdurrahman Kamil Efendi adviced to his parish in Sultan Bayezıd Mosque that the way to rescue the country was in nation’s resolution and determination.

“My Honorable Sons;”

“There is no existing of Turkish Nation, Turkish domination. Since, the honour, dignity, and independence of our country is in danger, it is wrong to hope goodness from this government. After this time, there is no existing of any person or station even if it can be Padishah or anything else. The only one remedy is our nation will take the domination and they must use their own freedom directly.”

“Ottoman State, which has been existing for centuries thanks to those martyrs, was made a victim by the bad wishes of the Government. Sultanate which has been living for six centuries is living its last days. It is necessary for Muslims to come together and they must behave altruisticly and self-denyingly to rescue Turkish Nation from this catastrophe.”

“So, the honorable parish, we should support Mustafa Kemal who is volunteer to rescue the country from this situation."

The Foundation Of The Society for Defence of Rights

With the coming of Mustafa kemal to Amasya The Society for Defence of Rights gained speed, and came together in The School of Atik-i Ali. Müfti Hadji Hafiz Tevfik Bey reminded the speeches of the Pasha the day before and said “After this time we,you or Amasya people will account in the history.”

The Society for Defence of Rights consisted of the important people in Amasya. The inspector of the 9th army Mustafa Kemal attended the meeting and said; “I believe that The Society for Defence of Rights will work for the happiness of the country and the Nation and I congratulate the people who will have responsibilities.”

The election of the people who would have the responsibilities in this socety was made. Mufti Hadji Tevfik Bey became the president of the society with the majority of the votes. The names of the people who would work in the Society were these;

Müfti Hadji Hafız Tevfik Efendi, The mayor Topçuzade Mustafa Bey, Abdurrahman Kamil Efendi, Hodja Bahaeddin Efendi, Sheik Cemaleddin Efendi, Harputizade Hasan Efendi, Topçuzade Ali Bey, Topçuzade Hilmi Bey, Eytan Manager Ali Efendi, Hacımahmudzade Mustafa Efendi, Miralayzade Hamdi Bey, Kofzade Mustafa, Şirinzade Mahmud, Melekzade Süleyman, Veysibeyzade Sıtkı Bey, Seyfizade Ragıp, Yumukosmanzade Hamdi Efendi, Arpacızade Hürrem Bey.

“I will never go to anywhere from Anatolia!...”

Mustafa Kemal send a letter to the First Army Corps Commander Cafer Tayyar Bey to Edirne, in his letter he had evaluated the general situation in Anatolia, and he said it would be suitable to organize a congress in Sivas which is out of Istanbul and out of the control of foreign countries. And it would be suitable to ensure attending two people from every province as delegates.

The Signing of Amasya Proclamation

Amasya Proclamation was started discussing in Saraydüzü Barracks which was the headquarters of the fifth Caucasian Division in Saraydüzü site.

The discussions started on 21st June with the attendace of 20th Army Corps Commander Ali Fuat Pasha and Hüseyin Rauf Bey, 3rd Army Corps Commander Refet Bele, Staff Lieutenant Colonel Arif Bey, The former Sanjak Bey of Izmit İbrahim Süreyya Bey, Captain Osman Nuri, Tufan Bey, Substitute Lieutenant Recep Zühtü, Efganlı, Lieutenant Abdurrahman, The Inspector of Finance Arif Bey, 15th Army Corps Commander in Erzurum Kazım Karabekir Pasha, The Inspector Yıldırım Kıt’atı Mersinli Cemal Pasha, 1st Army Corps Commander in Edirne Cafer Tayyar Bey with a telegram.

Discussions went on until the morning of 22nd June and very important decisions were made. That day became a day on which the integrity of the country and the independence of the nation was declared to the World with a loud voice.

“The determination and the resolution of the nation will save the independence of the Nation.”

This sentence is the summary of all of the decisions and it was the beginning of the way to the independence.

Amasya Proclamation (22nd June 1919)

1- The integrity of the country and the independence of the nation are in jeopardy. Since Istanbul Government is under the influence and domination of the Allied States, it could not perform the obligations that it has undertaken. The determination and resolution of the nation would save the independence of the country. It is required that a national council shall be established without any influence and domination in order to announce the rightful voice of the nation. It has been resolved that a national congress shall be assembled in Sivas that is the safest and the most secure place of Anatolia from each direction. To this effect, it is required that three delegates that have acquired the confidence of the people shall be sent from each district of all the cities as soon as possible. Taking into consideration all sorts of possible negative incidents, this issue shall be kept confidential as a national secret and the delegates shall continue their journeys in a confidential manner.

2- A congress shall be assembled in Erzurum in the name of the Eastern provinces on the date of 10th July. In case that the representatives of the other provinces can reach to Sivas until the foresaid date, the members of Erzurum Congress shall set off in order to participate in the general congress to be organised in Sivas.

3- In respect of the election of the delegates by the National Societies of Defence of Rights and the Directorates of Municipalities or in any other ways, I request the support and aid of your patriotism. I also request that the names of the delegates that are elected and the departure dates and times shall be notified in advance.

4- Those people would work to the execution of these aims; The inspector of the 9th army Mustafa Kemal, Hüseyin Rauf Bey, 15th Army Corps Commander in Erzurum Kazım Karabekir Pasha, 13th Army Corps Substitute Commander Miralay Cevad Bey, 3rd Army Corps Commander Refet Bele, The Governor of Samsun Sanjak Hamit Bey, 2nd Army Inspector Cemal Pasha, 12nd Army Corps Commander Miralay Selahaddin Bey, 25th Army Corps Commander Ali Fuat Pasha, 17th Army Corps Substitute Commander in Bursa Miralay Bekir Sami Bey, 1st Army Corps Commander in Edirne Cafer Tayyar Bey and other important civilian or military people, and the opinions and ideas of these people would be taken ; Former Grand Vizier Müşir Ahmed İzzet Pasha, The Minister of Nafia Ferit Bey, Ahmet Rıza Bey.

5- I request the immediate acknowledgment of the receipt of this telegram. All the telegrams will be transferred easily. This situation was informed to the Directory of Telegram and Post.

6- Military or Civilian foundations will never be left or given to anybody else. All of the army will be related to any of integrity to anywhere in the Country, we will defence all together. So, the commanders will inform each other immediately. Weapon or war materials will never be lost.

Amasya Protocols

Kemal Atatürk gave us detailed information in “The Speeches”about “Amasya Negotiations” and Protocols were carried out between the group of Mustafa Kemal Pasha, Rauf and Bekir Sami Beys in the name of the Representative Committee and the War Minister, Salih Pasha in the name of Istanbul Government between the dates of 20th-22nd October 1919. As a result of these negotiations, three explicit and signed protocols and two confidential and unsigned protocols were concluded between both parties.

“First protocol included the demands of Salih Pasha. These demands included the resolutions that the army would not be occupied with policy; and that the movement of the Union and Progress would not be aroused; and that the interventions that would humiliate the government would be abstained; and that those who were arrested on the grounds of opposition to the organisation, if any would be set free; and that the deported criminals would be punished; and that he thoughts asserting that we had equitable reasons for waging war would be kept confidential; and that the elections would be carried out freely; and that the circumstances that would unbalance the public order would be prevented; and that any article would not be written in favour of or against the government, etc.

Second Protocol

Second Protocol was on 22 October 1919, and it is a record summary of long discussions and negotiations.

In this negotiation, after the beginning which shows the sides’ mutual trust on Sultanate and Caliphate, they started to negotiate the decisions which had been taken in Sivas Congress on 11 September 1919:

1- Providing the compliance with the final decision of the National Assembly, the borders that have been stipulated before shall be protected (the principle of the integrity and indivisible union of the country was accepted thereof).

It was determined necessary to prevent the disorder by pretending to give independence to Kurds. It was seen that they wanted to create a country between Anatolia and Arabia to diverse them. It was declared that it wasn’t be accepted to give any of Anatolia. Aydın is also indivisible union of the country.

Trouble in Thrace was that it was thought that it was aimed to create an ostensible independent government and create a colony, aiming to take the east of Thrace to Midye- Enes line from us. But, it was thought suitable not to quit Edirne and Meriç border in any situation even if it would be thought to give them to an Islamic Government.

2- In the fourth item; Any privileges that can derange our political sovereignty and social balance shall not be granted for the Non-Muslim minorities. It was declared that this condition was compulsive to ensure our independence and it would have been a threat to our independence to quit this condition. This principle was agreed that it was the aim that we had to be successful.

3- In the seventh item it was discussed how to compensate our technical, industrial, and economical needs on condition that our independence would be kept. If a country wants to invest money on our country, it will cause them to have rights to check our treasury, so this subject should be thought and districted by experts of this subject not to be threat to our independence and then The National Assembly will determine it.

4- The other decisions of Sivas Congress on 11 September 1919 were thought suitable on condition that The National Assembly will accept them.

5- The Anatolian and Roumelian Council for Defence of Rights shall be recognised by Istanbul Government.

In this decision, it was stated that after the National Assembly had the rights of legislation and inspection with trust and freedom. What would happen to the Council would be stated by the decision of the congress. It was said that this congress was not on condition that it had to be out like Erzurum and Sivas Congress.

Deputies who accepted the programme of the Council would be thought like delegates who were explained in the regulations of the Council, and their special meetings could be seen as a congress. It was said that after this time, The Natiomnal Assembly had to work in Istanbul freely and confidently. It was thought that how could it be ensured under these circumstances. Because, Istanbul was in the enemies control, it was thoght that the deputies couldn’t do their legislation work freely. It was thought suitable to gather the National assembly out of Istanbul in Anatolia where Istanbul government would show the place like Frenchs had done in Bordeaux in Seventy War, and Germans had done in Weimar until the peace.

After the gathering of The National assembly, if the confidence and immunity of it were clear, Representatives of the Council would be abrogated and the working aims of their organization would be decided in a special meeting like a congress.

Because, the Government ordered that the election of the deputies would be in a free atmosphere, Representatives of the Council wouldn’t have effects on the election.

Representatives of the Council would warn if they realize that some of the deputies were harmful in the army and they were the members of Ittihat and Terakki to not allow them to be elected. Third protocol was prepared to explain how Representatives of the Council would do this job.

The first and the second protocols were the suggestions of Salih Pasha and they weren’t put into practice. In addition to these protocols, there were 4th and 5th protocols which were secret and weren’t signed.

The Opening Of The Grand National Assembly Of Turkey

After the election in Amasya 5 elected members who would represent Amasya People in The Grand National Assembly Of Turkey which would open on 23rd April 1920 in Ankara were from Amasya city Topçuzade Ali Bey, Miralayzade Hamdi Bey, Yumukzade Mehmed Ragıp Bey, from Gümüşhacıköy district Müfti Ali Rıza Bey, from Merzifon district Doctor Asım Bey.

With the offer of Mustafa Kemal, Tokatlı Bekir Sami Bey, who had been the former Governor, had been in the Amasya Negotiations and Protocols and had been the deputy of the Last Ottoman National Assembly, became the deputy of Amasya in Ankara.

Five Deputies from Amasya and Bekir Sami Bey from Ankara attended the Assembly on the opening day of The Grand National Assembly Of Turkey. (23rd April 1920 ) The number of the deputies from Amasya became seven with the attendance of Ömer Lütfi Bey who had been the deputy of the Last Ottoman National Assembly.

The Visitings Of Atatürk To Amasya

Mustafa Kemal Pasha had visited Amasya five times. The first one was between on 12-26 June 1919, second one was between 18-22 October 1919.

The Third Visiting

Mustafa Kemal Pasha,with his wife Lady Latife and some of his friends came to Amasya after 5 years on 24th September 1924 at 8.30 p.m., and made a speech during the greetings.

The president came to the Municipality Building and attended to the meal that was given for his honour and then he made a speech.

Mustafa Kemal and his wife stayed in a room in the Municipality Building, while the other guests stayed in the houses of the people.

On the morning of the 25th September, The President and his group started their travel to Tokat from the in front of the Municipality Building.

18th September 1928 / The Fourth Visiting

He came to Amasya on his fifth day of his country tour to see the response of the people to the new Turkish Alphabet and to see the performing of it.He came with The Prime Minister İsmet İnönü.

The Fifth Visiting Of Mustafa Kemal 22nd November 1930

Mustafa Kemal visited Amasya the fifth and the last time on the 22nd November 1930.

The Last Meeting

The President Of The Republic Of Turkey came round Amasya while he was in Anatolia travel. He got out of the train among the love shows of the crowded people in the station, then he talked with The Mufti of Amasya Abdurrahman Bey for a while, and then he got on the train with the great cheers of the people and went to Samsun with his group.