History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Located in Ayvalıpınar locality of Göynücek district, the mound is a registered archaeological site proving that Çekerek Valley has been inhabited continuously since the neolithic ages. The settlement, which contains cultural layers from the Old Bronze Age, Hittite Imperial Period, Phrygian and Hellenistic periods, was a trade and agriculture center on the natural valley road connecting the Central Anatolian plateaus to the Black Sea coast in ancient times. During archaeological surveys, wheel-made painted ceramic pieces, hand mill stones and mineral slags were identified in the mound and its skirts. According to the legend among the local people, this hill, where caravans passing through the valley stayed in ancient times, was also known as the "Golden Spring" due to its fertile springs. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in Ayvalıpınar locality, on the slightly elevated terrace of the Çekerek River valley. Its altitude above sea level is 580 meters. It is surrounded by wheat and barley fields and has a rich alluvial soil structure. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:It is an open-air protected area and visiting is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It can be visited 7 days a week during daylight hours (08:00 - 18:30).•Rules, Security and Stroller/Disabled Access: It is a registered protected area under the Law on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets No. 2863; Taking stones, ceramics or soil from the area or excavating is strictly prohibited and subject to heavy criminal sanctions. The mound surface is a rough field ground.•Facilities and Facilities:There are no facilities in the mound area; The nearest settlement is Göynücek centre. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Ayvalıpınar Mevkii, 05600 Göynücek / Amasya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 6 km away from Göynücek town centre. After the asphalt village road, you can reach the foot of the mound through a 300-meter field road.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Village minibuses departing from Göynücek center and drop off at the crossroads; From there you can reach the mound with a 10-minute walk.•Parking Availability:There is an open parking area for 10-15 vehicles on the roadside. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Archaeological Observation:Thousands of years of traces of the Hittite and Phrygian civilizations can be observed by examining the terracotta pottery shards exposed by erosion on the surface of the mound.•Valley Perspective:From the top of the mound, the winding valley of the Çekerek River and the fertile Göynücek agricultural basin can be photographed from a wide angle.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:When you return to Göynücek town center, freshly squeezed Amasya apple juice and local flour halva should be tasted.