Saraydüzü Barracks National Struggle Museum is a free museum and congress center in Amasya, located on the Yeşilırmak riverbank, built between 1898-1900, documenting Mustafa Kemal's 1919 visit.
The building you see today on the banks of the Yeşilırmak is not actually the historic barracks from 1919. The original structure was demolished in 1944. In 2007, it was rebuilt in its original form, approximately 100 meters northeast of Künç Bridge. When Mustafa Kemal Pasha arrived in Amasya on June 12, 1919, he used these barracks as his base, and the Amasya Circular was drafted here.
The third floor of the building is dedicated to the museum. In the National Struggle Hall, Mustafa Kemal's arrival in Amasya and his reception by the delegation at Kulistepe are depicted with 12 wax figures. Panels on the walls display copies of official appointment documents issued by the Sultan and information about the 12-day period in Amasya. The other floors have been used as the Provincial Public Library since 2022; the museum and library are effectively under the same roof.
Visitor reviews present a mixed picture. Some write that they were impressed, seeing it as the birthplace of the phrase "the nation's independence will be saved by the nation's determination and decision." Others state that a large part of the building is allocated to the library, and the exhibition area is small with limited content. There are also comments that the hall where the Amasya Circular was prepared might be closed during visits; you can ask at the entrance if this hall is open when you go.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Amasya historical places, Historical Ferhat Water Canal.
Guide's Note
Why is the Building Not Original?
The original Saraydüzü Barracks, where Mustafa Kemal stayed in 1919, was completely demolished in 1944. For a while, there was no other structure in its place. In 2007, considering its historical importance, the building was rebuilt in its original form but in a different location, on the Yeşilırmak riverbank and northeast of Künç Bridge. This is where visitors often get confused: the structure you see is not the original walls where the events of 1919 took place, but a reconstruction of them.
When to Visit?
The museum is open all year, with hours varying by season. It can be visited until 19:00 in the evening between April and October, and until 17:00 in the winter months. Remember that it is closed on Mondays; plan your Amasya trip accordingly. In the summer months, the afternoon light hitting the building on the riverbank is also more suitable for photography.
How to Get There?
If you are staying in Amasya city center, you can walk there. Follow the riverbank, and as you approach Künç Bridge, you will see the building on your right. It is considered within walking distance of other important stops in the city (Hazeranlar Mansion, King Rock Tombs), as Amasya city center has a compact structure.
Photography and Exhibition Area
The scene depicted with wax figures in the National Struggle Hall on the third floor is the most photographed corner by visitors. Photography with amateur cameras is allowed. Shots taken from outside the building, especially from the river side, also resemble Amasya's classic postcard view.
How Much Time Should I Allocate?
Since the museum section is small, 30-45 minutes is usually sufficient. Some visitors state that the exhibition area is narrow and they found less content than they expected. Therefore, it is more realistic to plan it as part of your Amasya itinerary, rather than as the main stop of your trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
A large part of the building is used as the Provincial Public Library; the museum is only on the upper floor and in a limited area. Some comments indicate that the hall where the Amasya Circular was written may be closed at the time of visit, in which case it may not be possible to enter. For those with a special interest in the Amasya Circular and the history of the National Struggle, the place is still meaningful, but those expecting a comprehensive history museum may be disappointed.
Connection with Amasya City Center
The building is on the same river line as Amasya's other historical stops. It's easy to add to your itinerary while visiting Hazeranlar Mansion, Amasya Castle, and the King Rock Tombs. Künç Bridge, one of the bridges connecting the two banks of the river, is the closest to the museum.
FAQ
Saraydüzü Barracks National Struggle Museum and Congress Center videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Updated:
