Adana

About — Adana

Adana is a large city in southern Türkiye on the Seyhan River, at the heart of the fertile Cukurova plain and known across the country for its food. Flights from Istanbul to the Adana/Cukurova airport take about 1 hour 30 minutes. Hotels are in the centre near the river, close to the main sights. Adana was also affected by the 2023 earthquakes, and some historic buildings may be under restoration.

The Sabanci Central Mosque, with six minarets on the riverbank, is one of the largest mosques in Türkiye and opens onto the landscaped Central Park. Nearby, the Roman Stone Bridge (Taskopru) still spans the Seyhan and is now open only to pedestrians. In the old quarter, the 19th-century Great Clock Tower rises above the Kazancilar bazaar, and the Ulu Cami is known for its striped stonework and tiled interior. The riverside promenades are lively in the evenings. About an hour and a half to the north, the Varda Bridge, a tall railway viaduct over a deep valley, is a striking stop for photos.

Family tips: summers are very hot and humid, often close to 40°C, so spring and late autumn are best; in summer, plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings. Food is halal; try Adana kebab, spicy hand-minced meat on wide skewers, with salgam, a salty-sour purple carrot drink, and cool off with bici bici, a shaved-ice dessert. Mosques are everywhere. One day covers the city, and a private vehicle helps for the Varda Bridge and in the summer heat.