Adana is Turkey's fifth largest city, located in the fertile Cukurova Valley in the south of the country.
It is known for its mouth-watering kebabs, the colorful temperament of its inhabitants, its ancient history and the hot sun that shines almost all year round.
Adana is a place where oriental energy and Anatolian hospitality merge in one rhythm - hot and alive like the land of Cilicia itself.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Southern Turkey (Mediterranean)

• Population: about 2.3 million people

• River: Seyhan (Seyhan Nehri)

• Climate: Mediterranean

  • Summer: is very hot (+35-45°C)

  • Winter: mild and rainy (+10-15°C)

• Feature: Adana is located in the center of the fertile Çukurova Valley, one of the largest agricultural areas in Turkey, where citrus fruits, cotton, pistachios and spices are grown.

🏛 History

Adana is one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor, with a history of over 3000 years.
According to legend, the city is named after Adan, the son of the god Uranus from ancient mythology.

📜 Major milestones:

• 🏺 Hittite era (16th century BC) - the first settlements on the banks of the Seyhan River.

• 🏛 Roman and Byzantine era - the city flourishes as a center of trade and a bridge between East and West.

• ⚔️ Arab and Seljuk times - Adana becomes a strategic hub between Anatolia and Syria.

• 🌙 O ttoman Empire - important trade and industrial center, especially in cotton and weaving industries.

• 🇹🇷 Modernity: after the founding of the Turkish Republic, Adana became the heart of southern development - a city of industry, agriculture and gastronomy.

🕌 Main attractions

🏰 Adana Fortress (Adana Kalesi)

• The remains of an ancient and Byzantine fortress in the center of the city.

• From here you can see the Seyhan River and the old town.

🌉 S tone Bridge (Taşköprü)

• One of the oldest functioning bridges in the world, built under the Roman Emperor Hadrian (2nd century AD).

• It is still used by pedestrians - a symbol of strength and durability.

🕌 S abancı Mosque (Sabancı Merkez Camii)

• One of the largest mosques in Turkey.

• It has a capacity of more than 28,000 people.

• The architecture is inspired by the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne.

• The snow-white domes and six minarets are reflected in the Seyhan River - a stunning sight at sunset.

🌿 S entral Park (Merkez Park)

• One of the largest city parks in Turkey (33 hectares).

• A beautiful place to walk along the river with fountains, palm trees and flowering trees.

🏛 Adana Archaeological Museum (Adana Arkeoloji Müzesi)

• One of the oldest museums in the country, founded in 1924.

• Expositions from the Neolithic to the Ottoman era.

• Special attention is paid to artifacts from ancient Cilicia.

🎭 O ld Town and Tepe Street (Tepebağ Mahallesi)

• A neighborhood with narrow streets, old houses and bazaars.

• Here you can feel the atmosphere of old Adana - the noise, the smell of spices, the sounds of trade.

🍢 Adana cuisine - the gastronomic heritage of Turkey

Adana's cuisine is one of the most famous in Turkey.
The legendary "Adana Kebab", which is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage, is cooked here.

🍴 What to try:

• Adana kebabı - spicykebab of minced lamb meat roasted on coals. Served with pita bread, onions, parsley and pepper.

• Şalgamsuyu - fermented drink made of rutabaga and carrots, ideal for kebabs.

• Humus ve ezmeler - appetizers made of chickpeas, eggplant and yogurt.

• Bici bici tatlısı - chilled dessert made of starch, ice and syrup - salvation in the heat.

• Künefe - a crunchy dessert with cheese and pistachios, baked and served hot.

💡 There is even a "Kebab Festival" in Adana, where chefs compete in the skill of frying and serving the meat.

🎭 Culture and traditions

Adana is known for its hot temperament, humor and festivities.

• Every April, the International Orange Blossom Festival (Portakal Çiçeği Festivali) takes place - colorful processions, street concerts and the aroma of citrus fruits fill the city.

• People in Adana are open, emotional and proud of their cuisine and traditions.

• In the evening, musicians play along the Seyhan promenade and folk songs and drums can be heard in the streets.

🏞 Nature and surroundings

🌅 S eyhan River

• The heart of the city, around which life is built.

• A great place for walking and boating.

🏔 S eihan Reservoir and Dam

• A large man-made lake, a popular place for picnics and walks.

🏕 Taurus Mountains (Toros Dağları)

• In the vicinity there are picturesque gorges, waterfalls and thermal springs.

• Ideal for trekking and nature lovers.

🏖 Mediterranean Coast (Karataş)

• Beaches just 45 km from the center of Adana.

• Clean sea and fresh seafood.

🚗 How to get there

• ✈️ Adana Shakirpaşa Airport (ADA) is one of the largest airports in southern Turkey.

  • Direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, London, Dubai.

• 🚄 Rail service - trains to Mersin, Gaziantep, Ankara.

• 🚗 Distance:

  • 1 hour to Mersin

  • 3 hours to Gaziantep

  • 5 hours to Antalya

✅ Why go to Adana

✔ Home of the authentic Turkish kebab 🍢
✔ A city with ancient history and modern energy
✔ Beautiful river and architecture
✔ Oriental cuisine, bazaars and folklore
✔ Proximity to the sea and mountains
✔ Hospitality and liveliness of local people

📌 Conclusion

Adana is the hot heart of Turkey, where the sun shines brighter, people talk louder and kebabs smell better than anywhere else.
It's a city that doesn't try to please - it just lives, breathes and feeds like a true southerner.
Here you can feel Turkey not touristy, but the real Turkey - sincere, generous and alive.

"In Adana, they don't ask if you're hungry. They just feed you." 🍢