Adana: The Story of Two Cities
I knew that when I was choosing this title, I was talking about not just one city, but a place where two different worlds are intertwined. Adana presented me completely different stories with two different faces on both sides of Taşköprü. The city resembles a European city with its neat, modern, high streets and sparkling structures, while the other was like a gateway to a completely different era with its narrow streets, chaotic crowd and authentic texture.
As I wandered around this city, I found myself in the arms of order sometimes, sometimes chaos. Sometimes walking along the banks of the Seyhan River with a cool breeze, sometimes disappearing in crowded bazaars, among the shouting of the vendors…
Adana is a place that has two different souls in the same city. A life that feels European modernity on one side and historical and street spirit on the other side bearing the traces of time… So my journey here was more than just a single city. I witnessed the story of two separate worlds.
Places to Visit and Historical Documents in Adana
Stone Bridge – Witness to History
Location: On the Seyhan River
History:
One of the oldest bridges in the world built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian! It was originally 21-arms, but today it has 14 arches.
My experience:
I had a more splendid place in my dream. The waters drawn, pollution and irregular vendors on the bridge were casting a shadow over the historic glory of this place. But it is worth seeing because it is the symbol of Adana!
Score: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Sabancı Central Mosque – One of the Largest Mosques in Turkey
Location: Next to the Central Park
History:
Built by the Sabancı family in 1998, the mosque is one of the largest mosques in Turkey. The mosque, which was inspired by Ottoman architecture, has a capacity of 28,000 people at the same time.
My experience:
It is not possible to be fascinated by the glory of that huge dome when you come in. But lack of care and some worn out parts are notable. It must be restored!
Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Adana Atatürk House – Memory of Atatürk
Location: Seyhan
History:
This is the house where Atatürk stayed when he visited Adana in 1923. This house, which serves as a museum today, is full of items and memories about Atatürk’s trip to Adana.
My experience:
The museum was small but impressive. It was nice to see Atatürk’s connection with the people of Adana, to examine the documents of that period and to feel the historical atmosphere.
Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Adana Cinema Museum – Yılmaz Güney’s Trail
Location: Seyhan
History:
Adana is a city that trains artists such as Yılmaz Güney, Şener Şen, Orhan Kemal. This museum is living their legacy.
My experience:
My expectation was high but too small and unmaintenance. It can still be interesting for movie enthusiasts.
Score: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Great Clock Tower – Witnessing Time from the Ottoman Empire to the Present
Location: Kazancılar Bazaar
History:
The tallest clock tower in Turkey (32 meters) was built by Ziya Pasha in 1882.
My experience:
It is a structure that rises right in the middle of Adana’s historical bazaar. It is a great starting point to explore the surrounding Kazancılar Bazaar.
Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Grand Mosque of Adana – Legacy of the Ramadanids
Location: Seyhan
History:
This mosque, built by the Ramadanid Principality in the 15th century, bears the traces of Seljuk, Mamluk and Ottoman architecture.
My experience:
The architecture of the mosque offers a truly different profile of Ulu Mosque. The interior decoration and stonework were quite impressive.
Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
– Oil Mosque – Historical Building that Turns From Church to Mosque
Location: Seyhan
History:
The building was built in the 15th century as an Armenian church, and was converted into a mosque during the period of Ramadanoglu Beylik.
My experience:
Its interior design and atmosphere are very impressive. It is definitely a must-visit place for those who want to get lost in history.
Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Madrasah of the Children of Ramadan – The Knowledge Nests of the Ottoman Empire
Location: Next to the Grand Mosque
History:
This madrasa, built by Ramazanoğlu Halil Bey in the 16th century, became one of the most important educational centers in Adana during the Ottoman period.
My experience:
It’s quite impressive architecturally. A structure that is quiet, peaceful and makes you feel the texture of history.
Score: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Adana Museum Complex – The History of the City is Here
Location: Seyhan
History:
It is one of Adana’s largest museums that offers works from the Hittites, Romans and Ottomans together.
My experience:
It’s a must-visit place for anyone who really wants to explore history. The works inside tell very well about Adana’s past.
Score: ★★★★★ (5/5 – Must be seen!))
My Food and Drink Experiences in Adana
Kaya Kebap – The Best of Adana Kebabı!
Location: Seyhan
My experience:
It’s a place that really has a full burst of flavor. Adana kebab is perfectly prepared here with its oil balance and spices. Their appetizers are plentiful and fresh. The staff were also quite hospitable. Talking to employees about Adana’s food culture was a separate experience.
Score: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Kel Mahmut Ciğerci – I am worried about hygiene
Location: Seyhan
My experience:
I had heard you were famous before I came here, and I wanted to try. But it is not clear that the people who enter the kitchen are working with slippers and without gloves, there are skewers thrown to the floor… I was surprised how people ate with great pleasure.
Score: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Beezade Kebab – A Banquet Full of appetizers!
Location: Seyhan
My experience:
It’s a clean and decent place. The appetizers were abundant, varied and quite delicious. When they equipped the table, I asked if everything was paid, but it was all a treat! I’m quite fond of this situation because I’m not familiar with the appetizer culture in Adana.
Score: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Levent Börek: Real Adana Pie
Location: Turgut Özal Boulevard
Featured Flavor: Kashar
Experience:
Levent Börek offers a perfect breakfast in the hot morning of Adana. The fresh, crispy texture of pastries and the perfect harmony of the inner mortar are truly impressive. Although kashkaval pie is always my favorite, minced meat pie can also be loved. However, my personal preference is in the direction of kashar pie. The place also attracts attention with its friendly employees and I definitely recommend enjoying a pastry with tea.
It is a medium level place in terms of price, and the peace of mind that eating pie here in a sweet atmosphere is invaluable. If you’re looking for breakfast or a sweet snack, Levent Börek is a great option!
Experience Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Kazım Buffet – Legend of Banana Milk!
Location: Seyhan
My experience:
One of the best options to cool down in Adana! They make banana milk with real banana and it tastes very natural. I definitely recommend it in Adana heat.
Score: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Memories and Surprises I Live in Adana
I didn’t look at his watch to enter the Church with Babies, I stayed at the door!
I paid a lot of attention not to accidentally step on a homeless man in the streets…
The streets of Adana have a truly completely different spirit, fascinating but requiring attention with its chaos and warmth.
Adana heat exhausts people badly, especially if you are going to walk, do not shorten the water with you!
Conclusion: Adana is a completely different experience!
Adana is a fascinating city with both its history and food culture. But the intertwining of differences, chaos and order in the city gives an interesting experience. To understand Adana, it is necessary to explore not only the tourist attractions but also the streets.
Suggestion: Don’t forget to observe while exploring Adana! Because this place is really “The Story of Two Cities…”
You can browse my Google Maps address for images and sightseeing points :