Amasra Amasra is a charming coastal town situated in the northwest of Turkey's Bartın Province, and is a popular tourist destination. Formerly known as Amastris, the town's natural setting and beaches make it a hub for tourist activities, which are the primary source of income for its residents. The town's population was estimated at 6,500 in 2010. Amasra has two islands, Büyük Ada (meaning 'Great Island') and Tavşan Ada (meaning 'Rabbit Island'). According to Strabon, Amasra, previously called Sesamos, was founded by the Gasgas Scythian tribe or an Amazonian offshoot to drive the Hittites out of the Western Black Sea region. The town boasts a small yet impressive archaeological museum, featuring artifacts from both land and underwater discoveries. Among the exhibits is a statue of the snake god Glykon, a fraudulent creation from the Roman Imperial period. The Amasra Castle, which dates back to the Roman era, is surrounded by walls that were erected by the Byzantines. The front walls and gates were constructed by the Genoese in the 14th-15th centuries. The castle's location on a narrow peninsula necessitated the construction of a tunnel underneath it that leads to a source of fresh water at ground level. The Fatih Mosque in Amasra was originally a Byzantine church built in the 9th century AD. It consists of three parts and was converted to a mosque shortly after Sultan Mehmet conquered the town in 1460. Visitors to Amasra should not miss the ancient Direkli Kaya lighthouse, where the Persian Princess Amastris reputedly swam. For a stunning panoramic view of Amasra, head to Bakacak Tepesi (Hill).