Divan Adana

With a history stretching as far back as 19 BCE, the ancient city of Anazarbus, located in the centre of the Çukurova region, contains the ruins of many civilizations and lays bare countless hidden treasures. Anazarbus Castle, one of Çukurova’s most astounding sights, stands atop a rock formation 200 meters (655 feet) high. The city was invaded time and again in numerous wars, coming under the control of the Romans, Arabs, Armenians and Turkmen. Although large parts of the city and its surrounding walls now lie in ruins, much of the castle and its ramparts still stand today.

 

Commissioned by the Governor of Adana, Ziya Pasha, in 1879, the construction of The Grand Clock Tower, which became a symbol of the city’s modernization, was completed under Governor Abidin Pasha in 1882. The tower itself was designed by the Armenian architects Krikor Agha Bzdikian and Kasbar Agha Bzdikian. At a height of 32 meters (105 feet), it is Turkey’s tallest clock tower and the resounding toll of its bell once orchestrated daily life in the city. Built of brick, the tower is a square prism in cross-section, with clock dials visible on all four sides. After being damaged during the French occupation, the tower underwent restoration in 1935, and today still stands proudly on Ali Münif Avenue, a street known for its artisan shops and boutiques.

 

Central Park runs along both banks of the Seyhan River, covering an area of roughly 33 hectares (81.5 acres), and is one of Turkey’s most delightful green spaces. Originally built in 1988, it was redesigned and reopened in 2004 and is a source of great pride for the city. The park is home to more than 400 species of plant, and its grounds feature 12 lakes, bicycle and walking trails, playgrounds and special facilities for the disabled. It even boasts a 2,100-person amphitheatre, making it the perfect place for a day spent enjoying lush greenery and impressive landscaping.
 

Located on the banks of the Seyhan River, The Sabancı Central Mosque is the largest in Turkey, the Balkans and the Middle East, and is perhaps Adana’s most magnificent building. The mosque was built in 1998, covers an area of 52,600 square meters and can hold up to 28,500 worshippers. Despite its homage to classical Ottoman architecture and resemblance to the Sultanahmet Mosque, it is one of the few mosques in the world to boast 6 domes. With 4 lecture rooms, 10 prayer rooms and various communal rooms, the mosque also houses a library in its western wing. Visit the mosque during religious festivals or holy days, and taste the honey sherbet served to visitors in celebration.
 

The Seyhan Dam and Hydroelectric Plant was built both to protect the city from flooding and to generate renewable energy, with the added benefit of creating the Seyhan Reservoir, one of Adana’s most beautiful locales. The dam was built in 1956 at a cost of US$ 25 million and provides water to irrigate over 174,000 hectares (430,000 acres) of farmland, as well as ameliorating the region’s arid climate through evaporation. Combining the beauty of lush greenery and crystal waters, it is an ideal place to while away a day wandering among the many cafes and gardens surrounding the reservoir.

 

The Old Metalworkers Bazaar is home to the shops of a range of craftsmen, in particular tinsmiths and boilermakers. But when the artisans’ shutters come down of an evening, the air is filled with the sound of music and dinner is served. The best of Adana’s world-famous kebabs are made in the Metalworkers Bazaar. Surrounding the Grand Clock Tower, the bazaar is full of justly famed restaurants serving the traditional cuisine of Adana, including kebabs, spiced sausage and liver. There is no better place to experience the authentic atmosphere of old Adana than the Old Metalworkers Bazaar.

 

One of Adana’s most iconic sights, the Stone Bridge has a history that stretches back roughly 2,000 years. Though evidence is scarce, it is believed that the Hittite Emperor Hattuşili had the bridge constructed across the Seyhan River as he was making his way to Syria. Also known as the Saros Bridge and the Justinian Bridge during its long history, the 310 - meter bridge was closed to car traffic after its most recent restoration. The Stone Bridge is the world’s oldest bridge that is still in service.
 

It is generally believed that the construction of Adana’s best-known landmark, the Grand Mosque Complex, was commissioned by the Ramazanids dynasty between 1513 and 1541. The mosque, madrasas and mausoleum still stand today, as does the reception chamber, which was known as the “Salt Room” since salt was once traded there. For a long time, the Grand Mosque was the largest mosque in Adana, and combines Seljuk, Mameluke and Ottoman architectural styles. Crowned gates at the east and west ends of the complex lead to a stunning courtyard of black and white marble. Unfortunately, the earthquake that struck the Adana and Ceyhan regions in 1998 caused significant damage to these structures, and repairs continued until 2004. Despite this, the intricate craftsmanship and beautiful ceramic tiles from Kütahya and Iznik that adorn the Grand Mosque Complex still attract and dazzle residents and visitors alike.

 

At a height of 99 m (325 feet) and a length of 172 m (565 feet), the Varda Viaduct, also known as the German Viaduct or Grand Viaduct, is a true engineering marvel. Part of the Istanbul–Baghdad railway, it was constructed by German engineers and has linked East and West since 1912. The construction of the 4-legged stone viaduct, which is still in use today, took 5 years. Its charm does not only captivate tourists but also Hollywood - the viaduct was the centerpiece of one of the chase scenes in the James Bond film, “Skyfall” making the place internationally famous. Varda Viaduct continues to serve as a railway.