Adana
· TR

Adana

Adana, Adana, Turkey

Adana: Where History Meets Modernity on a Plate Forget the tourist traps, Adana is where Turkey's authentic heart beats strong. This vibrant city, nestled on the fertile plains of Çukurova and kissed by the Mediterranean…

#Mediterranean cuisine#Historical landmarks#Cultural diversity#Outdoor markets#Turkish architecture
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Adana.

Top Hotels in Adana

Top Flights to Adana

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Adana.

Tours

Explore the Ancient City of Anavarza

Visit the ruins of Anavarza, an ancient city with rich history dating back to the Roman period. Walk through the impressive structures and learn about the region's past.

Sabanci Central Mosque Tour

Visit Turkey's largest mosque with impressive architecture located by Seyhan River.

Historic Visit to Adana Ethnography Museum

Discover Adana's rich cultural history through exhibits spanning hundreds of years.

Adana's Street Flavors Food Tour

Embark on a culinary journey through Adana's streets, tasting local delicacies like kebabs and şalgam.

Shopping

Traditional Shopping at Kazancilar Bazaar

Explore this vibrant bazaar known for its traditional Turkish goods and local delicacies.

Optimum Shopping Mall Experience

Visit one of the largest shopping malls in Adana, offering a wide variety of international and local brands.

Outdoor

Seyhan Dam Lake Picnic

Enjoy a day out at Seyhan Dam Lake with scenic views and picnic spots ideal for families and couples.

Adana Merkez Park Leisure Walk

A peaceful walk through the largest urban park in Turkey, located in the heart of Adana, offering green spaces and sculptures.

Paragliding in the Taurus Mountains

Experience paragliding in the Taurus Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the landscape below.

Fishing at Akyatan Lagoon

Enjoy fishing and bird watching at Akyatan Lagoon, a designated wildlife sanctuary.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Adana.

Currency
₺ | TRY | Turkish Lira
Population
1.8 million
Languages
Turkish, Turkish
Average weather
Adana
Jan
rain
14°5°
Feb
rain
15°6°
Mar
cloud
18°8°
Apr
clear
22°11°
May
sun
27°15°
Jun
hot
31°19°
Jul
hot
34°23°
Aug
hot
34°23°
Sep
sun
31°20°
Oct
clear
27°15°
Nov
cloud
21°10°
Dec
rain
16°6°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Adana.

What people love

Adana, located in southern Turkey, has several pros for travelers:

  1. Gastronomy: Adana is famous for its delicious cuisine, particularly Adana kebab, a spicy meat dish that is a must-try for food lovers. The city also offers a wide variety of other traditional Turkish dishes and local specialties.

  2. Historical Sites: Adana has a rich history and is home to several historical sites such as the Stone Bridge, the Grand Mosque, and the Adana Archaeology Museum. Visitors can explore these sites to learn more about the city's past.

  3. Natural Beauty: Adana is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the Seyhan Dam Lake and the Taurus Mountains. Nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching in these picturesque settings.

  4. Cultural Events: Adana hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the Adana International Film Festival and the Orange Blossom Carnival. These events provide opportunities for tourists to experience the local culture and traditions.

  5. Warm Climate: Adana enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape cold weather and enjoy sunny days.

Overall, Adana offers a unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, making it a great destination for those seeking an authentic Turkish experience.

What to know

Adana is a city located in southern Turkey and, like any other destination, it has its own set of cons for travelers. Some potential drawbacks of traveling to Adana include:

  1. Weather: Adana has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, which means summers can be extremely hot and humid. Traveling during this time may not be comfortable for those who are sensitive to heat.

  2. Traffic: Adana is a bustling city with a significant amount of traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Navigating the city by car or public transportation may be challenging and time-consuming.

  3. Language barrier: While English is spoken in some tourist areas, it may be limited in other parts of Adana. Travelers who do not speak Turkish may encounter communication difficulties, which can be frustrating at times.

  4. Safety concerns: Like any other city, Adana has its own share of crime and safety concerns. Travelers should exercise caution and be vigilant, especially in crowded areas and at night.

  5. Air quality: Adana is known for its air pollution, particularly during the summer months. This can be a concern for travelers with respiratory issues or sensitivities to pollution.

  6. Limited tourist attractions: Adana may not have as many tourist attractions or historical sites compared to other cities in Turkey. Travelers looking for a wide range of sightseeing options may find Adana lacking in this aspect.

  7. Limited English signage: While efforts have been made to improve signage in English, travelers may still find that signs and information are primarily in Turkish, which can make navigating the city a bit challenging.

It's important to note that these cons do not apply to every traveler, and many people enjoy their time in Adana despite these potential drawbacks. As with any travel destination, it's essential to research and plan accordingly to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Adana, located in the southern region of Turkey, is one of the country's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its rich history spans several millennia, marked by various civilizations, significant events, and notable landmarks.

Ancient History

  • Hittite Period: The earliest known records of Adana date back to the Hittite Empire around 1400 BCE. The city was known as Uru Adaniya and served as an important hub due to its strategic location.
  • Assyrian and Neo-Hittite Influence: After the fall of the Hittites, Adana came under the influence of the Assyrians and later became part of the Neo-Hittite states.
  • Persian and Hellenistic Eras: Following the Persian Empire's control in the 6th century BCE, Adana later came under the control of Alexander the Great and subsequently became part of the Seleucid Empire.

Roman Period

  • Roman Annexation: Adana became a part of the Roman Empire in 64 BCE. Under Roman rule, the city flourished as an administrative and commercial center.
  • Landmarks: The Roman bridge (Taşköprü) over the Seyhan River is one of the lasting legacies from this period, still in use today.

Byzantine and Islamic Period

  • Byzantine Rule: After the division of the Roman Empire, Adana remained under Byzantine control.
  • Arab and Armenian Influence: The city experienced various periods of control by Arab caliphates and Armenian kingdoms, especially during the 8th and 9th centuries.

Seljuk and Ottoman Period

  • Seljuk Conquest: Adana came under the control of the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century.
  • Mamluk and Ottoman Era: The Mamluks and then the Ottomans ruled Adana from the 14th century onwards. The Ottomans incorporated the city into their empire in 1517. Under their rule, Adana became a key agricultural and trade center, particularly known for cotton production.

Modern History

  • 19th Century: The Industrial Revolution saw Adana become a major cotton production center, leading to significant economic growth.
  • French Occupation: After World War I, Adana was occupied by French and Armenian forces under the French Mandate of Cilicia until it was liberated by Turkish nationalist forces in 1922.
  • Republic of Turkey: With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Adana continued to grow and modernize, becoming one of the country's leading industrial and agricultural centers.

Significant Landmarks

  • Sabancı Merkez Camii: This is the largest mosque in Turkey, located on the banks of the Seyhan River and a modern architectural marvel.
  • Adana Archaeology Museum: Home to artifacts from the region's rich history, spanning from the Neolithic age to the Ottoman period.
  • Varda Viaduct: An impressive railway viaduct built during the early 20th century, known for its stunning architecture and engineering.

Notable Figures

  • Ramazanoğlu Family: A prominent family during the Ottoman era, influential in local governance and development.
  • Yılmaz Güney: A renowned Turkish filmmaker and actor, known for his works highlighting social issues in Turkey.

Adana's vibrant history and cultural heritage continue to attract historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike, making it a significant city in Turkey's historical landscape.