Amasya is a small city located in the north of Turkey, in the Black Sea region. The city is well known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Yesilirmak River, the mountains surrounding the city, and its historical landmarks. However, one aspect of the city that is often overlooked is its night lights and light pollution.
Amasya has a population of approximately 100,000 people, with the majority of the population living in the city center. The city is relatively small, with an area of around 170 square kilometers, and is surrounded by mountains that limit its expansion. The city's altitude is approximately 390 meters above sea level, which provides a unique vantage point for its night lights.
The city's night lights are a sight to behold. The city's main landmarks, including the Amasya Castle, the Sultan Beyazit Mosque, and the Roman Bridge, are all illuminated at night, creating a beautiful and enchanting atmosphere. The city's street lights and residential areas also add to the overall night lights of the city, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
However, despite its beauty, Amasya suffers from light pollution, which affects the city's night lights. Light pollution is the presence of artificial light in the night sky, which interferes with the natural darkness of the night. In Amasya, light pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including the city's street lights, commercial buildings, and residential areas.
One of the main causes of light pollution in Amasya is the city's street lights. While street lights are essential for public safety, they can also contribute to light pollution if they are not designed correctly. In Amasya, the street lights are bright and often placed too close together, creating a haze of light that covers the city at night.
Another factor contributing to light pollution in Amasya is commercial buildings. Many of the city's commercial buildings, including shops, restaurants, and hotels, are open late into the night and are illuminated with bright lights. These lights are often left on throughout the night, adding to the overall light pollution of the city.
Residential areas also contribute to light pollution in Amasya. Many residents leave their lights on throughout the night, both inside and outside their homes. This contributes to the overall light pollution of the city and makes it difficult to see the stars in the night sky.
The estimated amount of light pollution in Amasya is difficult to quantify. However, a study conducted by the University of Padova in Italy found that light pollution in Turkey has increased by 70% over the past decade. This suggests that Amasya, like many other cities in Turkey, is also experiencing an increase in light pollution.
Amasya is a beautiful city with a unique and enchanting night lights. However, the city is also experiencing light pollution, which is caused by a variety of factors, including street lights, commercial buildings, and residential areas. While it is important to have adequate lighting for public safety and security, it is also essential to be mindful of the impact of artificial light on the environment and to take steps to reduce light pollution.