According to historical records, Turkey’s present north-eastern regions bordering the Black Sea were called Hamshen. Back in the 8th century, 12,000 Armenians led by Princes Shapuh and Hamam Amatuni migrated from a number of provinces of Great Hayk, settling in the south-eastern part of the Black Sea. Here Hamam Amatuni rebuilt the destroyed city of Tambur and gave it the name Hamamashen, which was later reduced to Hamshen (photos).

The Armenian Principality of Hamshen, founded by Hamam Amatuni, was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1498. In the 18th century Hamshen Armenian were forcefully Islamized.

Although the majority of residents in the territory of Hamshen Armenians in Turkey are Muslims, they have preserved their native tongue, Armenian, which they speak within their families and with their friends.

Hamshen is surrounded by green and dense forests, beautiful mountain chains, fabulous winding roads, fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls, medieval bridges, traditional villages and houses. Armenian News – NEWS.am camera has captured all this beauty.