The Museum of Princes is located in a historic waterfront house on the Yeşilırmak riverbank in Amasya, showcasing the culture of the period with wax figures of 7 Ottoman sultans who served as princes and later ascended to the throne.
The Museum of Princes is located in a two-story wooden mansion built on the old city walls along the Yeşilırmak River. The building reflects 15th-16th century Anatolian Turkish house architecture: walls feature Hatai and Rumi patterned decorations, and traditional woven carpets cover the floors. It is right next to the Alçak Bridge, at the foot of the King Rock Tombs.
On the upper floor, wax figures of seven sultans who spent their princely period in Amasya and later ascended to the throne are displayed: Yıldırım Bayezid, Çelebi Mehmet, Murat II, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Bayezid II, Yavuz Sultan Selim, and Murat III. On the lower floor, there are five princes who never ascended to the throne: Mustafa and Bayezid, sons of Suleiman the Magnificent; Ahmet and Alaeddin, sons of Murat II; and Ahmet, son of Bayezid II. Next to each figure, a video explaining the period plays, with a total duration of approximately 30 minutes.
Visitor comments frequently emphasize that the museum is small and can be toured quickly; most people write that they visited it in 15 minutes. The realism of the wax figures creates a shiver in some, while others state that the content and narration remain superficial, expecting more detailed historical explanations. Nevertheless, it is a short but memorable stop for those with children and those interested in Ottoman history.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Amasya historical places, Historical Ferhat Water Canal.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Since the museum is small, prefer morning or afternoon hours. It is stated that there is a lunch break; if you coincide with those hours, you can proceed to the Pontus King Rock Tombs located just above. It may be closed on Mondays, so confirming in advance will save you time.
How to Get There
The museum is located in Amasya city center, in Hatuniye Neighborhood, on the banks of the Yeşilırmak River and right next to the Alçak Bridge. It can be reached by walking along Mehmet Paşa Street or by a short taxi ride. It is close to other attractions in the center (Hazeranlar Mansion, waterfront houses), and can be easily added to a walking route.
How Many Minutes to Allocate
It is a two-story but small structure; visitors generally tour it in 15 minutes. If you also listen to the short narrations on the digital screens next to the statues, the duration may extend to 20-25 minutes. For a busy Amasya trip, you don't need to allocate more than half an hour for this alone.
Where to Place in Your Itinerary
Since the museum is very close to Alçak Bridge and the King Rock Tombs, it makes sense to visit these three stops consecutively. While walking past the waterfront houses, you can fit the museum into the middle of your route, either before or after lunch. Hazeranlar Mansion is also within walking distance and can be added to the same day.
For Photography
The sultan statues on the upper floor, with their period-appropriate attire, are the most photographed spot. The exterior of the building, with its wooden structure on the Yeşilırmak riverbank, also provides a good background for shots taken from the bridge.
Things to Note
Museum Pass is not valid for the entrance fee, and some visitors state that credit cards are also not accepted. Bring cash with you. Some visitors believe that the museum's content is limited in terms of information, offering more of a visual experience; those expecting detailed historical narration should keep this in mind. The realism of the wax figures can cause unease in some visitors.
Why It Should Be Seen
It is a stop that briefly and concretely explains Amasya's special place in Ottoman history and its identity as a city of princes. By featuring figures who ascended to the throne, such as Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Yavuz Sultan Selim, alongside princes who never became sultans, it offers an opportunity to look at known Ottoman history from a different perspective.
FAQ
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