29.11.2025 17:41
In the land of princes and saints, Amasya, nine tombs were closed to visitors with a padlock on their doors due to the alleged use of "irregular electricity," and a bill of 250,000 TL was issued.
In the city of Amasya, known as the city of princes and saints, 9 tombs have been closed to visitors with padlocks placed on their doors.
A BILL OF 250 THOUSAND TL HAS BEEN ISSUED
A local electricity distribution company issued a bill of 250 thousand TL to the Foundations Regional Directorate of Tokat for the tombs identified as having "irregular electricity consumption." It was determined that electric heaters and air conditioners were connected to the sockets, leading to irregular energy use, apart from the lighting service covered by the Ministry of Finance, as is the case with mosques. The local electricity distribution company YEDAŞ issued an accumulated debt of approximately 250 thousand TL to the Tokat Foundations Regional Directorate, to which Amasya is affiliated. The Foundations have placed padlocks on the doors of the tombs, two of which are located in the city center of Amasya. Citizens in the "land of saints" city reacted to this situation.
LOCATED ON THE SAME STREET AS THE AMASYA PROVINCIAL DIRECTORATE OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
One of the locked tombs is the Selamet Hatun Tomb in the city center of Amasya. This tomb, which has been continuously visited by the local people for years, is located on the same street as the Amasya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism in the Pirinçci Neighborhood. The neighborhood headman, Ahmet Balcı, stated that they reported the situation to the authorities, saying, "Currently, the tomb is locked, so it is not possible to enter for visits and prayers. The electricity was cut off due to faulty usage. The authorities also locked the door. Our governor and our MPs, to whom I reported the situation, said that the issue would be resolved soon. Closing it off for visits is not an appropriate solution. I can also take on the electricity subscription for the tomb as the neighborhood headman."
"WHAT DOES LOCKING THIS DOOR MEAN?"
Durmuş Ar, 84, who stated that he frequently visits the Selamet Hatun Tomb, which he noted is located on the same street as the Amasya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, said, "What does locking this door mean? It is very shameful. Women come here. They pray, make supplications, and find peace before leaving. We want this situation to be corrected. Authorities should hear us."
"I HAD TO LOCK THE DOOR"
The neighborhood headman, Coşan Aylak, mentioned that he keeps the door of the tomb of Yusuf Sinanüddin Efendi, one of the great interpreters, locked to protect it and opens it for visitors to pray. He said, "Homeless people come here to sleep. They leave food scraps and trash inside. They try to make children relieve themselves on the side. The neighborhood residents have also become uneasy. I couldn't bear to see such a person being disturbed in this way. I had to find such a solution."
"AMASYA, THE LAND OF SAINTS"
Cem Yeni, the headman of Gökmedrese Neighborhood, reminded that Amasya, known as the "city of princes," is also referred to as the "land of saints," stating, "The spiritual values of our Amasya are visited daily by our citizens. Especially women visit frequently. They visit the tombs to invoke great figures in their prayers. We do not want any of our tombs to be closed."
"THE TOMBS HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY CLOSED"
In a statement regarding the issue from the Tokat Foundations Regional Directorate, it was noted that the tombs could be opened for visits if responsibility is taken by the neighborhood or public institutions, stating, "Currently, the tombs have been temporarily closed to prevent illegal electricity and installation connections. If requested, work will be done to open them for visits."
As is known, the lighting electricity in mosques is covered by the Ministry of Finance. However, underfloor heating, air conditioning, and socket consumption costs are paid by the mosque congregation and benefactors.