Sheikh Hamdullah Museum of the History of Writing and Calligraphy

Known as the master of calligraphy, Sheikh Hamdullah was born in Amasya as the son of Mustafa Dede Efendi, a Sheikh of the Suhrawardiyya order who migrated from Bukhara to Amasya. Hamdullah, one of the most influential calligraphers of the Ottoman period, reinterpreted the six fundamental types of calligraphy known as aklam-ı sitte with the writing style he developed and became an inspiration for all subsequent Ottoman calligraphers. This master, who also attracted the close interest of Sultan Bayezid II, moved from Amasya to Istanbul; however, his birthplace chose to keep his name alive forever.

Since the museum is open every day of the week, you can make flexible plans. The mild weather of Amasya in spring and autumn makes combining a museum visit with other historical sites in the city much more enjoyable. In the early morning hours, especially between 09:00 and 11:00, the museum is quite uncrowded; during these hours, you can examine the exhibits in a calmer environment. In summer, the museum also serves as a nice refuge to escape the midday heat. We recommend confirming the opening hours before your visit, as they may have changed.

The museum is located in the heart of Amasya's historical fabric, in Hatuniye Neighborhood. For those walking along the Yeşilırmak riverbank, it is enough to follow the path leading to the foot of the castle; it can be easily reached by walking from the city center. Those coming to Amasya by intercity bus can take minibuses from the bus station to the center; finding Bülbül Hatun Street will not be difficult afterward. Street parking is possible in the vicinity for those coming by car, but finding a parking spot in the historical area can be difficult during peak seasons. Searching for the museum's name on navigation apps is the most practical method.

The restored three-story mansion housing the museum is an impressive subject for photography even from the outside. The facade, adorned with wooden craftsmanship and traditional Ottoman mansion architecture, offers striking shots, especially in the morning light. Inside, the display cases exhibiting calligraphy works and the writing panels hanging on the walls contain wonderful details for macro shots. The riot of colors in the marbling and illumination examples will also please photography enthusiasts. We advise you to learn the current rules regarding photography inside the museum from the staff.

After visiting the museum, restaurants and cafes along the Yeşilırmak riverbank are a good starting point to discover Amasya's culinary map. Amasya apple is the most well-known symbol of the region and can be found everywhere fresh or dried. In the city's historical bazaar area, there are restaurants offering local interpretations of traditional Turkish cuisine. After morning visits, a breakfast spot nearby might be waiting for you with a table full of Amasya's village cheese and homemade jams.

The Sheikh Hamdullah Museum can easily be visited on the same day as other important sites in Amasya's historical center. Start with the museum early in the morning; then, with a few minutes' walk, you can climb to the foot of Amasya Castle. Before noon, exploring the Ottoman-era mansions along the Yeşilırmak riverbank and the area around Hatuniye Mosque would be a nice continuation. In the afternoon, the Amasya Museum and the Pontus Rock Tombs can be added to the visit list. All these places are within walking distance of each other; thus, you can spend a full day immersed in history without using a car.

Since the museum is located in a three-story historical mansion, stair use is unavoidable; therefore, visitors with mobility limitations are advised to inquire beforehand. It may be difficult to go upstairs with a stroller. Although the entrance fee is symbolic, it is advisable to confirm the current tariff on-site. Some of the works exhibited inside the museum are replica works by contemporary calligraphers; they are not original Sheikh Hamdullah works; learning this distinction from the staff will make the visit more informed. Also, keep in mind that visiting hours may change on public holidays.