Mirror Cave and the Legend of Güzelce Girl

 

Nestled in Amasya, one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia boasting the heritage of diverse civilizations since the Hittites, there is a rock tomb called Mirror Cave, located 3.3 km from the city center. The cave, characterized by its enigmatic architecture and a polished rock exterior, showcases expert stonemasonry and sparks the imagination of its visitors. 

Mirror Cave

 

Believed to be dedicated to a Mitra priest, as indicated by the inscription "Great Priest Tes" on the rock tomb’s pediment, this structure stands out with its murals. Additionally, murals in the vault suggest that Byzantine clergymen utilized the building in the 11th century, featuring depictions of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Frequented by travelers for years, the Mirror Cave has not only captivated the locals with its mysterious allure but has also given rise to a fascinating folk legend: The Legend of Güzelce Girl, about the exceptionally beautiful daughter of a king, can help us better understand the cultural significance of the Mirror Cave, one of Amasya's most interesting historical assets.

The Inconceivable Beauty of the Princess

 

Güzelce Girl, the central figure of the legend, possessed a beauty so overwhelming that those who glimpsed her face felt as if struck by lightning. Consequently, the beautiful princess had to wear a veil to conceal her face at all times. One day, the king, convinced that it was time for his beautiful daughter to marry, issued a call across the world because he thought that it would not be easy to find a valiant man who could see her beauty and stand upright without being struck. He imposed only one condition on those who would answer the call and come to his kingdom from the four corners of the world to marry Güzelce Girl: The suitor had to be able to stand still and not faint when he saw the face of the princess; he had to be able to endure this sight and still manage to breathe. 

 

The King's call drew men from far and wide, to become suitors for Güzelce Girl. Young men of legendary valor, scholars, princes, and vizier's sons traveled to Amasya on horseback for days on end. However, most of them, far from lifting the veil of Güzelce Girl’s veil, trembled with excitement as the moment of the encounter approached and gave up their love before even approaching the princess. The cycle continued for days until a poor yet courageous young man emerged...

Collision of Beauty and Courage

 

When it was this young man's turn to meet the princess, he lifted the veil of the girl fearlessly and without hesitation with his own hands. At that very moment there was a thunderous boom and a dazzling flash of light. Bewildered witnesses sought shelter on the ground. Sometime later, as the haze of the lightning-like occurrence lifted, the crowd discovered the bodies of the young man and the princess, lying side by side. When the beauty of the princess met the unparalleled courage of the young man, the intense power of love at first sight had created a lightning bolt, uniting them for eternity. 

Legend has it that the bodies of the young lovers found their final resting place within the Mirror Cave, in two rooms inside the rock tomb. The cave's exterior radiates brilliance when touched by the sun, mirroring Güzelce Girl's face. This enduring legend, which has survived to the present day through folklore, adds to the mystery of the cave, carved centuries ago. When in Amasya, make sure to visit the luminous Mirror Cave and Amasya Museum, housing unique artifacts, to explore other narratives that color the city's rich cultural tapestry.