The Best Tourist Areas in Adana, Turkey

In this article about the best tourist areas in Adana, Turkey, we will present the most beautiful places in Adana. Adana is located on the map in the lower part of Turkey, meaning in its southern region. It lies on a water outlet known as the Seyhan River, 35 km from the Mediterranean Sea, in the south-central part of Anatolia. Its population is 1.75 million people, which makes it the fifth largest city in Turkey.

Adana was an important city for many civilizations dating back to the Hittites. The valuable Seyhan River is crossed by the ancient Taşköprü (Stone Bridge), built by Hadrian and later repaired by Justinian. It should be noted that building a 300-meter stone bridge during the Roman era was truly a great engineering achievement.

In the city, the Great Mosque dating back to the 16th century, also known as the Old Mosque or Hasan Ağa Mosque, and the Clock Tower built in 1882 were among the greatest historical engineering achievements. There is also an old covered bazaar, a bedesten or arasta.

You can also visit the Ethnography Museum where Turkish carpets, swords, manuscript books, and gravestones are displayed. The building itself is interesting, as it was once a church used by the Crusaders. The Adana Archaeological Museum is also worth visiting.

Adana is also famous for its delicious kebabs and other meat dishes. Among the archaeological landmarks is the Misis Stone Bridge over the Ceyhan River, and there are some ancient cities on the road to Iskenderun that include Roman remains.

Misis lies on the caravan route that once came from China, India, and Persia. Among the Roman remains, the most interesting feature is an elegant mosaic from the 4th century AD. Adana was an important Roman-Byzantine city that still preserves the outlines of the ancient city, including archaeological treasures of mosaics among its historical remains.

1- Atatürk Park

First, in our article about the best tourist areas in Adana, we will talk about Atatürk Park. Atatürk Park is considered an indispensable attraction in Adana with its stunning views and beautiful walking paths. We recommend walking in the park for half an hour and then drinking Turkish tea or Turkish coffee in one of the cafés.

The Adana Municipality continues to change the city’s vision. On one hand through valley projects, and on the other through the construction of new parks. Adana Municipality is making the city more beautiful.

Located in the city center, Atatürk Park has begun welcoming its guests with a new look. Public spaces have been expanded. Hundreds of benches and seats have been placed. Green areas cover the park. A separate area has been allocated for children. In the park, there is also a café belonging to the municipality.

Everyone will appreciate Atatürk Park, which reflects the transformation taking place in the city center. The mayor stated, “Changes have taken place in recent years. Due to major construction works, we have changed the appearance of the city. With sidewalks, roads, lighting, and street furniture especially on Gazi Street and Çınar Square, Adana has now become a magnificent sight. It is located in the center of Adana.”

Atatürk Park has also been renovated to match the aesthetics of the city. This park is the oldest in Adana. We have many beautiful and meaningful memories there. Now there are gardens and green spaces everywhere.

As is known, change continues in Adana Park. In the first year, 132 parks covering an area of 382 thousand square meters were completed. Achievements continue step by step. The result is a healthy environment. Everyone loved the new look of Atatürk Park. The goal was to create a place where people could relax and get rid of daily stress.

In the heart of the city, Atatürk Park extends from the hill to the Adana railway station in the city center, surrounded by streets and residential buildings. It is relatively large, very pleasant, and well maintained, serving as a central park in the city.

It lies between the streets, covering 250 square meters in a rectangular form filled with beautiful trees, various statues, and pools that create a delightful view.

2- Adana Central Park

Where is Adana Central Park located? Central Park Adana is one of the best tourist areas in Adana. It is located on both sides of the Seyhan River and covers a total area of 33 hectares. The park, which lies between Sabancı Merkez Mosque and the Galleria Shopping Center, has been open since 2004.

Turkey is known for having some of the largest parks in the world. According to information obtained from the park, trees are the essential element there. If you do not have the opportunity or time to travel outside the city, especially if it is crowded like Adana, you can enjoy some fresh air outside the busy districts at Adana Central Park. You can escape the stressful city life for a moment.

Although the park is located in the center of Adana, it has a relaxing atmosphere. The silence, birds singing, and flowers will make you feel completely relaxed. Even though it is not far from the forest, it is far from the noise of the city.

When you go to Adana Central Park, especially during the season, you can smell the scent of blooming orange trees and other trees around. If you live in a continental climate, we can say that you will experience unforgettable moments at Adana Central Park.

The parking area is spacious, very spacious. If you come with your family, your children can play ball or fly kites. We recommend visiting the park during cooler hours. Otherwise, you may find yourself alone under Adana’s burning heat. It is better and more correct to enjoy the evening atmosphere when temperatures are lower. We emphasize going out at a cooler time.

There is also a wide variety of trees and plants in the park area. There is about 3 km between the park and the street. There are cycling and running areas along this 3 km stretch. This area also includes children’s play areas and restrooms. If you wish, you can have a picnic in the park area with your family or friends.

Whether you come with your family or your friends, Adana Central Park is a place that brings people of all ages away from city life, where they can walk or enjoy a pleasant break. If you have not planned a vacation to rest from work, you can choose to go to the park. It is considered an elegant choice for everyone living in Adana and the surrounding cities.

3- Taşköprü (Stone Bridge of Adana)

Among the most important tourist areas in Adana is a historic bridge in the southern province of Adana, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 384 during the Roman era, and depicted by unknown people.

The Stone Bridge of Adana, known by everyone simply as the Stone Bridge, is recognized as one of the oldest bridges in the world.

This bridge, which is 1,632 years old, is one of Adana’s landmarks. It stands over the Seyhan River and was restored in 2006 by the General Directorate of Highways. Today, the Stone Bridge is open to visitors, tourists, children who can play there, as well as social and cultural events.

Near the foot of the bridge, there is a special heritage; the wall is decorated and contains interior and exterior inscriptions of Quranic verses.

The Stone Bridge of Adana originally had twenty-one arches, and today 14 arches remain visible, as some arches sank underground during the rehabilitation of the Seyhan River.

The bridge, which is 8.7 meters wide and 291 meters long, is still active. It was a major link in ancient trade routes from the Mediterranean to Anatolia and Persia. It is also known as Sarus Bridge and Al-Walid Bridge.

Its history: It stands over the Seyhan River. It was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 4th century (385). It served as an important bridge between Europe and Asia for centuries. Harun al-Rashid (766–809) connected it to Adana Castle with certain additions.

At the beginning of the 9th century, Caliph al-Ma'mun, the seventh Abbasid Caliph, repaired it. It was restored at different times by Ahmed III (1713), Kıl Hasan Pasha (1847), and Ziya Pasha, governor of Adana Province (1789). The inscriptions of these three restorations still exist today. The last restoration was carried out in 1949.

It is 319 meters long and 13 meters high. Fourteen of the original twenty-one arches remain standing. Two lion reliefs can be seen on the large central arch. It is known as the oldest bridge in the world.

The bridge, which is 8.7 meters wide and 291 meters long, is still active. It was a major link in ancient trade routes from the Mediterranean to Anatolia and Persia. Sarus Bridge, Al-Walid Bridge, and Taşköprü.

4- Sabancı Merkez Mosque

Among the finest mosques and best tourist areas in Adana is the Sabancı Central Mosque, which was put into service in 1998. It was built on a total area of 52,600 square meters, with a closed area of 6,600 square meters.

The Sabancı Central Mosque, which was put into service in 1998, was built on a total area of 58,900 square meters, with a closed area of 12,900 square meters.

The mosque was built in cooperation between the Turkish Religious Foundation and the Sabancı Foundation. Ownership belongs to the Adana Religious Affairs Foundation, and usage rights were transferred to the Adana Mufti’s Office.

Built at the intersection of major arteries, railway lines, and roads connecting Adana to surrounding cities and towns, the Sabancı Central Mosque has become a symbol of the city, with its minarets visible from almost anywhere. The mosque, which can accommodate 28,500 people, is known as the largest mosque in the Balkans and the Middle East.

Located on the banks of the Seyhan River, the mosque has an imposing structure with 6 minarets. Eight columns support the main dome, which has a diameter of 32 meters. The main dome rises 54 meters above ground level. Each of the four minarets adjacent to the main building is 99 meters high, and the other two located in the semi-covered courtyard are each 75 meters high.

The mosque includes all facilities, including 4 classrooms, 10 iʿtikaf rooms, rooms for the imam and muezzin, discussion rooms, and a fountain.

The mosque project was carried out by architect and engineer Necip Dinç, who was selected as a result of a competition. Mr. Dinç also supervised the consultation and execution phases during construction.

All calligraphy work in the mosque belongs to calligrapher Hüseyin Kutlu. The mosque’s tiles were produced using the İznik tile technique. The four large panels facing the qibla are the largest mosque panels in the world.

All decorative patterns and tile designs belong to master artist M. Semih İrteş. The mihrab, minbar, platform, entrance, and other doors were designed in marble in the style seen in classical Ottoman mosques and were built by Nihad Kartal.

5- Great Clock Tower (The Big Clock)

The Great Clock, built in Adana during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II to show working hours and prayer times in official institutions, has displayed the time for 131 years.

The Great Clock is one of the best tourist areas in Adana. Built during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II to show working hours and prayer times in official institutions, it has displayed the time for 131 years. As a symbol of the city, it attracts tourists.

It was founded by the famous poet and governor of Adana, Ziya Pasha, in 1881, and during the governorship of Abidin Pasha in 1882 it was completed. The tower is located on Ali Münif Street in the Seyhan district. It consists of carved stone with a total height of 32 meters and a width of 8 meters.

The bells ring every half hour and on the hour, admired by visitors. On the bell is written “Société Genevoise Turhan Cemal & Co. Adana Turquie.” The Adana Metropolitan Municipality maintains the tower, which has a depth of 30 meters.

With a history of 133 years, it is also known as “the tallest clock tower in Turkey.” Beneath it, a festival is organized in the bazaar under the name Adana Kebab and Turnip Festival. People bring meat and grills and head to the festival area. Tables are prepared. Drummers accompany visitors, creating colorful scenes.

A small gathering turned into a tradition and then into a grand festival that brings Adana together with the world again in the second week of December. Thousands of people attend the meeting, which is now held under the name “Adana Kebab and Turnip Festival.” They bring meat and grills and run to the festival, where barbecues are prepared in a magnificent display beneath the historic clock tower.

6- Ulu Mosque

The Great Mosque was built by Ramazanoğlu Halil Bey in 1513. In 1541, it was expanded and restored by Piri Mehmet. Seljuk, Mamluk, and Ottoman architectural features can be observed in the mosque.

The mosque consists of four parts: the shrine, the main prayer hall, the courtyard, and the old rectangular building on the west side. A domed tomb was built on the eastern side of the mosque in 1508. The madrasa was built according to the classical Ottoman school plan at the request of Ramazanoğlu Halil in 1540.

The building bears Mamluk, Seljuk, and Ottoman architectural characteristics. The western entrance is older than the main building and differs in style. The conical stepped roof rising above the entrance reflects Seljuk architecture.

This indicates that Halil Bey initially built a small mosque, and later constructed the main building beside it when the beylik expanded and the small mosque was no longer sufficient.

7- Adana Cinema Museum

Among the best tourist areas in Adana is this cultural attraction. Adana played an important role in the history of Turkish cinema with many artists, actresses, and directors. The Adana Cinema Museum was established in 2011 in a restored house in Tepebağ. It is open for visits from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Monday.

It is a museum that contains movie posters, materials from certain films, belongings of some artists, and model statues. It is located near Taşköprü, another tourist landmark in Adana. Entry is free. In the museum, Yılmaz Güney stands out with his statues, letters he wrote while in prison, and posters of his films.

There are many rooms dedicated to other films and various artists as well. Most of these artists are natives of Adana. In addition, there is also a library in the museum.

The rooms, walls, and the entire building are well designed. The model statues of the artists, however, may make it possible for people to recognize the actors mainly from their costumes.

8- Mavi Su Aqualand (Blue Water Park Adana)

If you want to immerse yourself in happiness, you should visit Blue Water Park Adana, one of the best tourist areas in Adana. Citizens overwhelmed by the heat of Adana head to Aqualand, a paradise of blue water. In addition to cooling off, they can participate in many activities within the facility. If you want to spend the summer in a wonderful environment, this is the place.

It is the salvation for citizens overwhelmed by the heat of Adana. People say, “This is the only address that will save them from the heat.” In this unique place where green and water come together, families gather. Most of us do not have time to go on vacation due to work or financial limitations, but families, visitors, and tourists come to Blue Water Park Adana.

One of the features of this water paradise is its operation in a truly decent and welcoming environment, capable of hosting guests coming from outside. In addition to cooling off, families can enjoy unique and affordable tastes in the restaurant. This facility has truly become a brand for the city.

You will enjoy every hour spent at Blue Water Park Adana, the choice of those who want to spend a fun and peaceful day without leaving the city.

You can taste happiness by sharing seafood dishes that suit your taste along with mixed music and rich barbecue varieties at Blue Water Park Adana with your family, friends, or colleagues while enjoying daytime slides, jacuzzis, the lazy river, the wave pool, and swimming.

Thai massage services, aromatherapy, and the health club, which help relieve psychological and physical fatigue from a busy and stressful day, are provided by trained professionals in a healthy environment. In addition, the most enjoyable way to learn, develop, and make new friends is through “summer camps.”

They are organized with the help of expert trainers to enable students to explore their interests and talents through various tests, develop their social aspects, and become more effective in determining their future goals by knowing themselves better. With this, we conclude our article about the best tourist areas in Adana.