Places to visit in Adana city center

Adana, as a city with a history of 7000 years, contains many historical and touristic values for visitors. Most of the places to visit in Adana Center are in the southern part of the city, also known as "Old Adana", and are within walking distance of each other. If you travel in the order listed below, you can have a pleasant time by seeing all the places in the shortest time. All of the places to visit, especially starting from Yağ Mosque and going to Merkez Park, are very close to each other. You can visit all of these places in 4-5 hours in an afternoon.

 

Yağ  (Oil) Mosque: It was built by converting an old crusader church into a mosque and reconstructing it with additions. A recently discovered oil cellar inside the mosque is used as a fountain today. The name of the mosque is thought to come from here (“yağ” means “oil” in Turkish). According to another view, it got this name because of the oil market set up in front of the mosque. We especially recommend you to see the door of the mosque.

 

Kazancılar Bazaar: Some craftsmen still carry on their arts in the bazaar, where boiler making, copper work and other handicrafts have been kept alive for centuries. It is also possible to find local candies and other souvenirs in the bazaar, as well as very successful kebab shops dating back to a century ago. On Sundays, stalls set up for breakfast with liver kebab, an Adana tradition, and offer visitors a different experience.

 

Büyük Saat ( AdanaClock Tower): The clock bears the distinction of being the highest clock tower in Turkey. It is estimated that the depth of the building underground is as high as its own height. It was built to regulate the working hours of agricultural workers during the Ottoman period.

 

Ramazanoğlu Mansion: The mansion where members of Ramazanoğlu principality, which ruled in Çukurova, lived. And it is to be considered one of the oldest houses in the worlds that comes today solid. .Suleiman the Magnificent and Sultan IV. Murad was also hosted in this house during their Baghdad expeditions.

 

Ulu Mosque: One of the most successful examples of the Ulu (Great) Mosque tradition in Islamic states, the mosque was built by the Ramazanoğulları Principality. As the principality grew stronger, additions were made to the mosque and it became a complex. The Mamluk influence on the principality of that period is also felt in the structure. It differs from Anatolian mosques with its minaret and general architecture.

 

Taşköprü: (Stone Bridge):  It is known as the oldest bridge still in use in the world. It is the first building that comes to mind as the symbol of Adana city. It is known that it was built by the Romans in the 4th century and has survived to the present day with various restorations. After the last arrangement made in 2007, it has been made open to pedestrian traffic only. We recommend that those who visit this place take a souvenir photograph with the bridge in front and the Sabancı Merkez Mosque in the back.

 

Cinema Museum: Adana is known as the city of artists and brought many giant names to the world of art and literature. This museum, which was opened in 2011, contains cinema machines, posters, old magazines and information about Adana artists. Entry to the museum is free.

 

 

Atatürk House Museum: The building, also known as Tepebağ Mansion and Suphi Pasha Mansion, is one of the traditional Adana houses built in the 19th century. Atatürk stayed in this mansion during his visit to Adana on March 15, 1923. It was organized in 1981 and opened to service as "Atatürk Science and Culture Museum". It is open to visitors except Monday. Entrance is free.

 

Tepebağ Houses: The houses, which are successful examples of traditional Turkish architecture, are located in the Tepebağ neighborhood, which is the oldest neighborhood of Adana and built on a single elevation in the city center. It has survived to the present day with recent restorations and street rehabilitation efforts. We especially recommend you to see Musabalı Mansion.

 

Sabancı Merkez Mosque: Sabancı Merkez Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey, is likened to the Taj Mahal as it is located on the banks of the Seyhan River. It is known as the brother of Selimiye Mosque and the mate of Sultanahmet in terms of its construction style. It is one of the must-see places in Adana Center with its interior decorations, spacious and wide space.

 

Merkez Park: Merkez Park, Turkey's largest city park, stretches along the Seyhan River to the north of Sabancı Merkez Mosque. Here, thanks to the warm climate, you will encounter hundreds of plant varieties and very successful landscapes that you will not see elsewhere, including tropical and sub-tropical climates. If you wish, you can do activities such as walking, jogging and cycling along the Seyhan River, you can cross the river from the suspension bridges, you can enjoy the river by taking the gondolas. It will be a different experience for children to visit the park by taking the mini train.

 

Upside Down House: When you cross the Central Park by bridges you will see the  house in Yüreğir Millet Garden. You should definitely see this house that will change your view of the world. This experience will trigger children's perception of the world and science curiosity. Entry fee: 7 TL.

OTHER POINTS TO VISIT:

 

Adana Archeology Museum: It is one of the places to visit in Adana Center to get the most information in a short time and to experience the history of Çukurova. Here you will find the traces of all civilizations from the Stone Age to the present. We recommend you to spend at least 2 hours to visit this place. After visiting the museum, which has been enriched with the newly added mosaic section, you can relax in the cafe overlooking the garden, and you can definitely find something that appeals to you in the shop selling Adana-specific souvenirs. Entry Fee: 15 TL

Old Dam Lake: The dam, was established for irrigation purposes on the Seyhan River. There is Yaşar Kemal Walking Park on the Yureğir side of the lake. In this area, which is closed to vehicle traffic, you can enjoy walking and rent a bicycle in the view of the eucalyptus trees. One can feel the breeze of the river while crossing the suspension bridge. You can take a pleasant walk around the lake.

 

Seyhan Dam Lake: It is a dam built on the Seyhan River in 1954 for irrigation and electricity generation purposes. Along the Adnan Menderes Boulevard on the west side of the dam, you can do sports on the walking and cycling paths. You can enjoy the way  accompanied by a very pleasant view, and experience the feeling of walking along the Bosphorus or the Kordon. You can also enjoy the view while having meal at the kebab and fish restaurants along the boulevard. In the cafes, you can experience the local sweet bici, accompanied by the breeze of the dam. Crossing the Çatalan Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Turkey, you can drive on the opposite side of the lake and watch the view of Adana from the east shore of the dam.