Torumtay Tomb

The Torumtay Tomb takes its name from Seyfeddin Torumtay, the governor who ruled Amasya during the Anatolian Seljuk State period. The governor had the Gök Medrese built in the city in 1267; after his death, this tomb was built in his memory in 1278. The tomb is the final resting place not only for the governor but also for his children and grandchildren; there are a total of nine sarcophagi inside.

The structure has a design that consciously transcends the usual patterns of Seljuk tomb tradition. While decorations in other tombs of the period were largely concentrated around doors and windows, here the ornamental elements have been moved to the upper sections of the building. This choice gives the tomb both visual originality and serves as a showcase for the mastery of the stone craftsmen of the period.

The south facade of the tomb, with its high relief motifs, should be the first stop for photography enthusiasts. In the early morning, the light coming from the east accentuates the reliefs on the stone surface, allowing you to capture deep and detailed shots. To include both the Gök Medrese and the tomb in the same frame, you can take a wide-angle shot from the opposite sidewalk.

Inside, the perspective created by the pointed barrel vault and the natural light falling on the sarcophagi provide a suitable environment for atmospheric photos. It is recommended to prefer the early morning hours, considering the visitor density that enters during the middle of visiting hours.

Since the Torumtay Tomb is located right in the heart of Amasya city center, transportation is extremely easy. You can reach İstiklal Street within a few minutes by city minibus or taxi from Amasya bus station. As the tomb is directly opposite the Gök Medrese, you can use the minaret of the madrasah as a reference when you arrive in the area.

The tomb is a natural route point on a historical city walk along the Yeşilırmak river. It is possible to walk to the Gök Medrese and Torumtay Tomb starting from the Yalıboyu Houses. For those coming by car, there is limited parking available in the vicinity.

The ideal times to visit Amasya are April–June and September–November. During these periods, the weather is extremely suitable for both walking and outdoor photography. In mid-summer, the city may experience short-term tourist density; however, since the tomb is not as crowded as large museums, it offers a peaceful visiting experience even in the summer months.

Visiting the tomb in the early morning, before the daytime visitor traffic begins, will provide a much more satisfying experience in terms of both photo quality and spirituality. During Friday prayer times, activity in the area may increase due to nearby mosques.

The Torumtay Tomb is an integral part of the intense cultural route in Amasya's historical center. You can combine a visit to the Gök Medrese and the tomb, then walk along the Yeşilırmak river to the Yalıboyu Houses. From there, visiting the Amasya Museum makes logical sense; examining Seljuk-era artifacts in the museum will deepen the impression you gain from the tomb.

In the afternoon, you can climb to the King Rock Tombs to see the city from above, and in the evening, you can relax at the historical bridge by the Yeşilırmak river to end the day. This route can be completed in approximately half to a full day.

The historical center where the tomb is located is close to one of Amasya's most vibrant dining routes. Restaurants and small cafes along the Yeşilırmak river offer ideal options for a break after your visit. Amasya's unique Amasya apple desserts and apple products are among the top local delicacies.

For those who want to taste the city's traditional cuisine, small restaurants in the surrounding streets are reliable addresses for testi kebab and local soups. If you plan your tomb visit for early morning, you can try Amasya simit and local pastry varieties for breakfast at nearby bakeries.

Since the tomb is a religious site, a quiet and respectful demeanor is expected during the visit. It is important to consider the peace of other visitors when taking photos inside. It is a traditional expectation for female visitors to cover their heads; it would be practical to carry a thin scarf with you.

Access to the lower-level burial section may not always be possible; restoration work can sometimes close certain parts of the structure to visitors. We recommend following the current announcements of Amasya Municipality or the Museum Directorate before your visit.