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.
