Where Is Adana, Turkey Located? A Guide to This Historic City in the Cilicia Region

Adana is a large city located in southern Turkey, about 35 km inland from the northeastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Situated on the Seyhan River, it is the administrative center of Adana Province and has a population of over 1.5 million, making it the largest city in the Mediterranean region of the country. But where exactly is Adana located and why is this ancient city worth visiting?

A Brief History of Adana

With history dating back over 8000 years, Adana is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The first settlements in the area were established around 6000 BC during the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, Adana was home to various civilizations including the Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.

During the Roman era Adana served as a waystation on the military road to the East. The Byzantines and Arabs fought for control of the city for several hundred years until it was taken over by the Seljuk Turks in the late 11th century. Adana flourished as the capital of the Ramadanid Principality in the 14th and 15th centuries before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in 1516.

Today, Adana is a modern city that serves as a major agricultural and industrial hub. But remnants of its long and cosmopolitan history can still be seen in various archeological sites and monuments scattered across the city.

Geographic Location

Adana is situated right in the heartland of Cilicia a region along the southeastern coast of Turkey. The city lies on the Seyhan river which flows southwards to the Mediterranean Sea.

Some key facts about Adana’s geographical location:

• It is located at coordinates 37°0′N 35°19.28′E
• The city sits about 35 km inland from the northeastern Mediterranean coastline
• Adana is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains to the north and east
• It is situated on a large fertile plain known as Çukurova
• The Seyhan River flows right through the city
• Adana is about 100 km west of Syria and 560 km southeast of Ankara

Transportation Links

Adana has excellent transportation links owing to its strategic crossroads location. Here are some of the key ways to get to and move around the city:

• By air: Adana Şakirpaşa Airport serves domestic and international flights, located just 10 km west of the city center.
• By train: Adana train station links the city to destinations across Turkey such as Ankara, Istanbul, and Gaziantep.
• By road: Adana sits along the O50 and O51 highways and is well-connected to other cities by intercity bus services.
• Local transport: Buses, dolmuşes, taxis, metro, and trams provide convenient transportation within Adana.

A modern 6-lane bridge crosses the Seyhan River, connecting the main sections of the city on either side of the river banks. Adana’s inland location at the intersection of major overland trade routes contributed greatly to its growth over the millennia.

Key Neighborhoods and Districts

Adana today is a sprawling metropolitan area divided into several distinct districts, each with its own unique character:

• Seyhan – This is the heart of Adana located on the west bank of Seyhan river. It holds the historic old town, the city’s main business district, as well as residential neighborhoods.

• Yüreğir – Located on the east bank of the river, this area has seen rapid development and is home to the municipal government offices.

• Çukurova – Named after the fertile plain, this district in southern Adana holds many factories, farmlands and the airport.

• Sarıçam – A more affluent residential area with parks and mid-size businesses in north Adana.

• Karaisalı – Site of many Adana’s ancient sites, 30 km south of the city center.

• Aladağ – A town located northeast of Adana amidst the wooded highlands of Taurus Mountains.

Climate

Adana has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. Given its location inland from the Mediterranean coast, it experiences greater temperature extremes compared to the coastline.

• Summers (June to September) are very hot and dry with temperatures averaging 33°C during the day and only falling to 21°C at night.

• Winters (December to March) are cool and wet with daytime temperatures around 10°C and nights just above freezing.

• Spring and fall are pleasant transitional seasons with mild temperatures.

• Adana gets about 56 cm of rainfall per year, mostly occurring during winter. Snowfall is rare but can happen a couple days in winter.

• Summers are very sunny, while winters tend to be overcast. Humidity levels are low.

So if planning a visit, spring or fall are great times to experience Adana’s moderate Mediterranean climate. Summers can get uncomfortably hot.

Major Landmarks and Sights

For history and culture buffs, Adana offers many fascinating sights spanning over 8000 years of human settlement:

• Adana Archaeological Museum – Houses artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic age through the Ottoman era. Don’t miss the intricate ‘Ramses III’ sword handle.

• Taşköprü – A 2nd century Roman bridge still in use today, spanning the Seyhan river.

• Ulu Cami – Built in 1541, this elegant mosque is a superb example of Ottoman architecture.

• Büyük Saat (Clock Tower) – Built in 1882, this iconic landmark towers over Adana’s old town.

• Ramazanoğlu Hall – Caravanserai built in the 16th century by the Ramadanid dynasty.

• Tepebağ Tumulus – Excavation site of a Neolithic settlement dated around 6000 BC.

• Misis Mosaic Museum – Well-preserved 4th-5th century mosaics from ancient Misis.

• Sabancı Merkez Camii – Turkey’s largest mosque built in 1998, shaped like a boat.

So whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, medieval architecture, or modern landmarks, Adana has something for every type of traveler. The city’s diversity reflects its long history as a melting pot of cultures.

Local Cuisine

Adana’s cuisine reveals influences of Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean flavors fused into delectable local specialties. Foodies should sample:

• Adana kebab – Spicy skewers of hand-minced lamb with peppers and spices, grilled over oak charcoal.

• Şırdan – Soft rice pudding topped with creamy buffalo milk kaymak.

• Halka tatlı – Round semolina cake soaked in sherbet, topped with crushed walnuts.

• Limon cello – Refreshing lemon-based alcoholic drink, garnished with lemon rind.

• Ayran – Salted yogurt drink beaten until frothy, very popular during hot summers.

• Fresh seafood – Adana’s coastal location provides delicious Mediterranean fish and seafood.

• Local fruits and vegetables – The fertile Çukurova plain produces amazing seasonal produce.

• Arabic coffee – Strong coffee boiled with cardamom pods and served in small cups.

The vibrant street food scene comes to life at night, with tasty snacks like kebabs, lahmacun, pide, and döner kavurma.

Home to over 1.5 million residents, Adana is located in the heart of Cilicia region in southern Turkey. Its diverse history and cosmopolitan culture are reflected in an eclectic mix of architectural sites and culinary influences. Transportation networks allow easy access to this historic city nestled between the Mediterranean coast and Taurus mountains. From ancient sites to modern attractions, Adana offers something for every type of traveler. So next time you’re traveling through Turkey or the Levant, save a few days to explore this fascinating and quintessentially Mediterranean city!