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Situated in
the middle of the Cukurova Plain (Cilician Plain),
Adana is the fourth largest city of Turkey, nestled in the most fertile
agricultural area of the whole country which is fed by the lifegiving
waters of River Seyhan. The city's name originates
in mythology, where it was said to have been founded by Adanus, the son
of Kronus (God of Weather). Due to its being in the heart of that fertile
center Adana has been an important city for many civilizations for centuries
dating back to the Hittites. The precious River Seyhan is spanned by the
ancient Taskopru (Stone Bridge) which was built
by Hadrian and then repaired by Justinian. It is worth noting that to
built a 300 yards long stone bridge in Roman times was a real feat. In
the city, the 16thcentury Great Mosque (Ulu
Camii), the Yag or Eski Mosque, the Hasan
Aga Mosque, Saat Kulesi (the clock-tower)
built in 1882, an old covered bazaar, Bedesten
or Arasta are of interest. Also be sure to see
the Ethnographical Museum where Turkish carpets,
swords, manuscript books and tombstones are exhibited. The building itself
is interesting as well since it was built as a church by the Crusaders.
The Adana Archaeological Museum merits visiting
too. Adana is also famous for its delicious Adana Kebap.
The tea houses and restaurants alongside the Seyhan Dam
and Lake provide a cool and perfect view of the city and the river at
sunsets. Yumurtalik (84 kms from Adana) and
Karatas (50 kms from Adana)are the nearest beaches
with proper accommodation. In Yumurtalik there is an ancient harbour castle
contributing much to this pretty fishing city. For fishing, there is Camlik
Park 30 kms southwest of Adana. There are some ancient cities
on the road to Iskenderun which include Roman remnants. Misis is on the
caravan route that came from China, India and Persia. Among the remains
of Roman times, the most interesting is the elegant mosaic of the 4th
century A.D representing Noah's Ark. Yilanlikale
has the ruins of a fortress set atop a peak dominating the River
Ceyhan. Dilekkaya, the ancient
Anavarza, was an important RomanByzantine city
which still preserves the outline of the old city including two particularly
worthwhile mosaics. Karatepe National Park is
the neoHittite site where you will find the remains of the summer residence
of King Asitawada, tablets of Hittite and Phoenician inscriptions, and
an openair museum holding many remnants. Castabala
and Toprakkale are the other historical remains.
Karsanb Forest, Burucek, Tekir, Horzum, Zorkum
meadows are ideal for picnicking and resting.
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