A city with a legendary origin
Adana is a city located in the middle of the Çukurva Plain in Türkiye. This city is the sixth largest city in the country with more than 2.2 million people. The city takes its name from mythology, where it is said to have been founded by Adanos, the son of Cronus, the weather god and father of Zeus.
History and ancient architecture of Adana
Adana has been an important city for many civilizations for centuries, dating back to the Hittites. The Ceyhan River, which runs through the city, is spanned by the ancient Tascopero (stone bridge) built by Hadrian and repaired by Justinian. The city has many interesting places, including the 16th-century Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), the Yag or Eski Mosque, the Hassan Agha Mosque, the Kulasi Clock Tower built in 1882, an old covered market, the Besden or Arasta , and Adana Archaeological Museum.
After the collapse of the Roman-Byzantine Empire, Adana changed hands many times, but since 1517 it has been under Ottoman control. In the early modern era, it developed a cotton industry and had a multilingual population of Muslims, Armenians, Greeks, Syrians, and Arabs.
Delicious food and beautiful scenery
Adana is famous for its delicious Adana Kebab and other meat dishes. Teahouses and restaurants next to Sihan Dam and Lake offer a cool and great view of the city and river at sunset.
Adana Kebab is a popular dish in Adana, Türkiye. It is made of minced lamb meat and skewered. If you are traveling to Adana and want to try this delicious dish, here is a guide to the best restaurants in the city.
Old city restaurants
The old town of Adana has many restaurants that serve Adana Kebab. Some of the best are Kebapçı Şeyhmus, Eyvan Kebap, Erciyes Kebap, Abidin Usta, Sirdanci Bedo, Kazancılar and Oz Asmaalti Kebap Salonu. Kazancilar is located at 23002nd Sk 45/A (off Alidede Sk) and is open daily from 10:30am to 2:00am. They serve traditional food near the clock tower and also have vegetarian options.
Restaurants in the station area
Adana station area also has many restaurants that serve Adana Kebab. Some of the best are: Eski Dostlar, Paşalimanı, Saki Meyhane, House of Kamer, Tokana, The Sopranos, Makarnos, Elem, Yüzevler and Zeynel Ocakbaşı. Elm Ziyapasha Restaurant is located at Sinasi Efendi CD 30/A (north side of DoubleTree by Hilton) and is open every day from 10:00 am to 1:00 am. They offer standard Turkish fare close to the station.
Lake shore restaurants
If you are looking for a restaurant with a view, go to the lake shore. Some of the best restaurants in this area are Dalian Balik, Big Fish, Yeshilcham Mihansi and Serkan. Sercan is located at Süleyman Demirel Boulevard 40 and is open daily from 12:00 to 1:00 am. They serve good food but can be a bit pricey.
Beaches and ancient cities
The nearest beaches with suitable accommodation are Umortalik, 84 km (52 mi) from Adana, and Karatas, 50 km (31 mi) from Adana. There are also some ancient cities on the Iskenderun road, including Mysis, Ylanlikalle, Dilkkaya, Kastbala and Toprakalle.
Free time in nature
Karsan forest, Borochek, Takir, Horzom and Zorkom meadows are ideal for picnics and leisure time.
Best things to do in Adana, Türkiye
1. Taskopru
Taskopru is a very old bridge built by the Romans around 120-135 AD. It is one of the oldest bridge in the world that is still in use today. This bridge is 310 meters long and has 21 arches. It is an important part of the city’s history and is now used for cultural and social events.
2. Atatürk Museum
Atatürk Museum is a museum named after Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. The museum is located in the house where Atatürk stayed during his visits to Adana. It has been restored and now displays items from the War of Independence and the early years of the Republic. This museum is open every day except Mondays.
3. Sabanchi Central Mosque
Sabanchi Central Mosque is a very large mosque that can accommodate 28,500 worshipers. This mosque has six minarets and is the largest mosque in the Balkans. The interior of the mosque is very beautiful with calligraphy and painting and tile patterns. This mosque is located on the main transportation lines from Adana to the surrounding provinces.
4. Central Park
Central Park is a large public park that is a resting place for locals and tourists. The park has many plants and trees, walking paths, a youth section with a skating rink and a mini amphitheater, and more than ten ponds. There is also a rowing club inside the park that provides rowing on the Sihan River.
5. Seyhan Dam
Sihan Dam and its artificial lake is a lovely place to relax and have a picnic with your loved ones. There is a love island in the middle of the park which is very popular among visitors. There are many restaurants and clubs by the lake where you can have a bite or a drink while looking at the beautiful view of the lake.
6. Adana Cinema Museum
Adana Cinema Museum is a museum dedicated to Turkish cinema. It is located in a renovated old townhouse with showrooms spread over two floors. The museum has a library and has a special emphasis on the relationships between local actors, directors and producers.
7. Buyuk Saat clock tower
Buyuk Saat Clock Tower is a historical clock tower located in the old city of Adana. With a height of 32 meters, this tower is the tallest clock tower in Türkiye. Its construction began in 1879 and was completed in 1882 during the Ottoman era. The tower is surrounded by many shops and craft stores where you can go to one of the cafes to buy souvenirs or souvenirs and soak up the atmosphere of the old town.
8. Ramzanoglu Hall
Ramazanoglu Hall is an old government residence in Adana that is now a cultural center open to the public. This hall has undergone various restoration works over the years and is managed by Kokurova University. It also hosts concerts, meetings and conferences.
9. Ataturk Park
Atatürk Park is a public park in the center of Adana that is worth visiting while in the area. This park has paths, trees, flowers and sculptures that create a peaceful and ideal environment for relaxation. It is an ideal place for social interaction and is frequented by locals as well as tourists.
