Gümüşlü Mosque, located next to Yavuz Selim Square in Amasya city center, is the city's oldest Ottoman mosque, built in the first half of the 12th century; it stands out with its wooden pillars and cut stone masonry, and is open to visitors free of charge.
Rising just beside Yavuz Selim Square in eastern Amasya, Gümüşlü Mosque has preserved its status as one of the city's most ancient places of worship for centuries. Believed to have been built in the first half of the 12th century, the structure has been rebuilt numerous times due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and fires; each time it has been revived with the architecture and taste of its era. The mosque, originally made of wood, was later rebuilt with masonry by Defterdar Ahmed Bey.
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Guide's Note
Gümüşlü Mosque: Amasya's Centuries-Old Witness
Every traveler stepping into Amasya eventually pauses in front of Gümüşlü Mosque. The reason is not only the age of the structure but also how deeply it is embedded in the city's historical fabric. The mosque, believed to have been built in the first half of the 12th century, holds the title of Amasya's oldest Ottoman mosque. However, this title does not mean the structure has remained unchanged; on the contrary, we are talking about a building that has been rebuilt numerous times in the face of earthquakes and fires, each time continuing to bear the traces of its era.
The person who gave the mosque its current name is Gümüşlüzade İbrahim Bey. İbrahim Bey, who undertook the restoration in 1688, had his surname associated with the structure over time, and the mosque became known by this name. The original wooden structure was later rebuilt with masonry by Defterdar Ahmed Bey; a minaret was also added to its northwest facade.
Best Time to Visit
The spring and autumn months stand out as the most ideal times to visit Gümüşlü Mosque. During these seasons, the centuries-old plane and pine trees in the courtyard add a distinct beauty to the mosque, either with their fresh greenery or their yellow-orange hues. Since Amasya can be quite hot in the summer months, choosing the early morning hours ensures a more comfortable visit and offers the advantage of soft light for photography.
As the mosque is an active place of worship, visitor entry may be restricted during prayer times. Planning your visit with these hours in mind will be convenient for both you and those praying. The hours after morning prayer and before noon are generally the calmest and most suitable visiting periods.
How to Get There?
Gümüşlü Mosque is located in Amasya city center, right next to Yavuz Selim Square. Thanks to this central location, it is easily accessible on foot from other historical points in the city. From Amasya bus terminal, you can opt for a dolmuş or taxi to the city center; the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
If you are coming by car within the city, you can navigate via Mehmet Paşa Street. However, parking around the mosque is quite limited; therefore, you may need to park a little further away and walk. Amasya's historical center is perfectly suited for exploration on foot; we recommend planning Gümüşlü Mosque as a natural stop on this walk.
Photo Spots
Gümüşlü Mosque offers multiple interesting spots for photography enthusiasts. The deep-niche entrance gate, with its geometric stone masonry, creates a perfect frame for both wide-angle and detail photos. The centuries-old plane and pine trees in the courtyard provide an ideal backdrop for compositions that blend the structure with nature.
Inside, the wooden pillars and ceiling decorations contain striking details. We recommend consulting with officials before taking photos inside. The soft light hitting the courtyard in the early morning hours best highlights the mosque's cut stone facade; try not to miss these hours.
What to Eat Nearby?
The area around Yavuz Selim Square and Mehmet Paşa Street, where Gümüşlü Mosque is located, is one of Amasya's most vibrant historical districts. There are local restaurants and tea gardens nearby; here you can experience Amasya's unique flavors. Be sure to try the city's local tastes, especially Amasya's famous apples and products made from them.
Cafes and restaurants along the Yeşilırmak River, a few minutes' walk from the mosque, also offer a pleasant break spot. Enjoying a tea or Turkish coffee against the backdrop of the historic waterfront houses can become one of the most enjoyable moments of your Amasya visit.
Suggested Itinerary: Amasya Historic Center Walk
We recommend considering Gümüşlü Mosque as part of a walking route covering Amasya's historic center. Starting from Yavuz Selim Square, you can visit Mehmet Paşa Mosque, then Gümüşlü Mosque. From here, you can descend to the Yeşilırmak riverbank, pass by the waterfront houses, and stop at Saraçhane Mosque and its Bimarhane (Darüşşifa).
This route corresponds to a comfortable walk of approximately 2-3 hours. For those who wish to add Amasya Castle to their program, planning a full day would be more suitable. Since all these points are within walking distance of each other, it is possible to spend a pleasant day immersed in history without using a car.
Things to Know Before Visiting
As Gümüşlü Mosque is an active place of worship, certain rules must be observed during your visit. You are expected to remove your shoes when entering the mosque, and female visitors are expected to cover their heads; it would be practical to carry a scarf with you. Visiting the interior during prayer times may not be appropriate.
Since the structure is historically valuable, those wishing to take photos inside are advised to consult with officials beforehand. There are no restrictions for photos of the courtyard and exterior facade. For those wishing to combine their visit with Mehmet Paşa Bath, the bath is within walking distance of the mosque.
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