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Adana
Situated in the middle of the Cukurova Plain (Cilician Plain), Adana is the
fourth largest city of Turkey, nestled in the most fertile agricultural area of
the whole country which is fed by the lifegiving waters of River Seyhan.
The city's name originates in mythology, where it was said to have been founded
by Adanus, the son of Kronus (God of Weather).
Due to its being in the heart of that fertile center Adana has been an important
city for many civilizations for centuries dating back to the Hittites. The
precious River Seyhan is spanned by the ancient Taskopru (Stone Bridge) which
was built by Hadrian and then repaired by Justinian. It is worth noting that to
built a 300 yards long stone bridge in Roman times was a real feat.
In the city, the 16thcentury Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), the Yag or Eski Mosque,
the Hasan Aga Mosque, Saat Kulesi (the clock-tower) built in 1882, an old
covered bazaar, Bedesten or Arasta are of interest. Also be sure to see the
Ethnographical Museum where Turkish carpets, swords, manuscript books and
tombstones are exhibited. The building itself is interesting as well since it
was built as a church by the Crusaders. The Adana Archaeological Museum merits
visiting too. Adana is also famous for its delicious Adana Kebap.
The tea houses and restaurants alongside the Seyhan Dam and Lake provide a cool
and perfect view of the city and the river at sunsets.
Yumurtalik (84 kms from Adana) and Karatas (50 kms from Adana)are the nearest
beaches with proper accommodation. In Yumurtalik there is an ancient harbour
castle contributing much to this pretty fishing city. For fishing, there is
Camlik Park 30 kms southwest of Adana.
There are some ancient cities on the road to Iskenderun which include Roman
remnants. Misis is on the caravan route that came from China, India and Persia.
Among the remains of Roman times, the most interesting is the elegant mosaic of
the 4th century A.D representing Noah's Ark. Yilanlikale has the ruins of a
fortress set atop a peak dominating the River Ceyhan. Dilekkaya, the ancient
Anavarza, was an important RomanByzantine city which still preserves the outline
of the old city including two particularly worthwhile mosaics. Karatepe National
Park is the neoHittite site where you will find the remains of the summer
residence of King Asitawada, tablets of Hittite and Phoenician inscriptions, and
an openair museum holding many remnants. Castabala and Toprakkale are the other
historical remains. Karsanb Forest, Burucek, Tekir, Horzum, Zorkum meadows are
ideal for picnicking and resting.
Adana
Situated in the middle of the Cukurova Plain (Cilician Plain), Adana is the
fourth largest city of Turkey, nestled in the most fertile agricultural area of
the whole country which is fed by the lifegiving waters of River Seyhan.
The city's name originates in mythology, where it was said to have been founded
by Adanus, the son of Kronus (God of Weather).
Due to its being in the heart of that fertile center Adana has been an important
city for many civilizations for centuries dating back to the Hittites. The
precious River Seyhan is spanned by the ancient Taskopru (Stone Bridge) which
was built by Hadrian and then repaired by Justinian. It is worth noting that to
built a 300 yards long stone bridge in Roman times was a real feat.
In the city, the 16thcentury Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), the Yag or Eski Mosque,
the Hasan Aga Mosque, Saat Kulesi (the clock-tower) built in 1882, an old
covered bazaar, Bedesten or Arasta are of interest. Also be sure to see the
Ethnographical Museum where Turkish carpets, swords, manuscript books and
tombstones are exhibited. The building itself is interesting as well since it
was built as a church by the Crusaders. The Adana Archaeological Museum merits
visiting too. Adana is also famous for its delicious Adana Kebap.
The tea houses and restaurants alongside the Seyhan Dam and Lake provide a cool
and perfect view of the city and the river at sunsets.
Yumurtalik (84 kms from Adana) and Karatas (50 kms from Adana)are the nearest
beaches with proper accommodation. In Yumurtalik there is an ancient harbour
castle contributing much to this pretty fishing city. For fishing, there is
Camlik Park 30 kms southwest of Adana.
There are some ancient cities on the road to Iskenderun which include Roman
remnants. Misis is on the caravan route that came from China, India and Persia.
Among the remains of Roman times, the most interesting is the elegant mosaic of
the 4th century A.D representing Noah's Ark. Yilanlikale has the ruins of a
fortress set atop a peak dominating the River Ceyhan. Dilekkaya, the ancient
Anavarza, was an important RomanByzantine city which still preserves the outline
of the old city including two particularly worthwhile mosaics. Karatepe National
Park is the neoHittite site where you will find the remains of the summer
residence of King Asitawada, tablets of Hittite and Phoenician inscriptions, and
an openair museum holding many remnants. Castabala and Toprakkale are the other
historical remains. Karsanb Forest, Burucek, Tekir, Horzum, Zorkum meadows are
ideal for picnicking and resting.
Click here
for Adana photos >>
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