“From the barbecue capital to an ancient bridge with a thousand-year history,
a southern city where sunlight and fire intertwine.”
City Introduction：
Adana is Turkey’s fourth-largest city, located in the northeastern Mediterranean region along the Seyhan River. It serves as a gateway between Anatolia and Syria and is a major agricultural and commercial center of the Cilician Plain.
The city’s history dates back to the Hittite era and later came under Persian, Roman, Arab, and Ottoman rule. According to legend, Adana takes its name from Adanos, the son of Zeus, symbolizing “the child of fire.”
Today, Adana is renowned for its ancient bridges, religious monuments, legendary barbecue culture, and vibrant music scene—a city where passion, spices, and history coexist.Top Attractions：
Varda Viaduct (Varda Köprüsü)
Located in the Karaisalı Mountains outside the city, this magnificent railway viaduct was built between 1907 and 1912 by German engineers as part of the Berlin–Baghdad Railway project. Measuring 172 meters in length and rising 99 meters above the valley, the bridge consists of 11 stone arches and was constructed entirely of masonry.
In 2012, it gained worldwide fame after appearing in the opening chase scene of the James Bond film Skyfall, where Bond fights on the bridge and falls into the gorge below—earning it the nickname “Bond Bridge.” Trains still run across it today, and the surrounding viewpoints are ideal for photography and hiking.Stone Bridge (Taşköprü)
Spanning the Seyhan River, this Roman bridge was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. At 310 meters long, it is one of the oldest Roman bridges in the world still in use. Its elegant stone arches reflect beautifully in the water under evening lights.
Legend has it that the emperor ordered the execution of the architect to preserve the bridge’s unique design, and some locals claim that the sound of chiseling stones can still be heard beneath the bridge at night.Sabancı Central Mosque (Sabancı Merkez Camii)
One of the largest modern mosques in Turkey, featuring six minarets, a grand central dome, and spacious landscaped courtyards. Completed in 1998 with funding from the Sabancı family, it can accommodate up to 28,000 worshippers and blends Ottoman and Seljuk architectural elements. It stands as a major religious and cultural landmark of southern Turkey.Adana Archaeological Museum
Housing artifacts from the Hittite, Roman, and Ottoman periods, the museum’s collection includes sarcophagi, temple remains, and ancient mosaics. It is a key institution for understanding the history of the Cilician civilization.Great Clock Tower (Büyük Saat)
Built in 1882, this 32-meter-high brick clock tower is the tallest of its kind from the Ottoman era. Originally used for timekeeping and public alerts, the tower today stands at the heart of a lively traditional bazaar district.Local Cuisine：
Adana Kebap
Made from hand-chopped lamb mixed with chili peppers and grilled over charcoal on wide metal skewers, Adana kebab is known for its smoky aroma, spicy flavor, and juicy texture. It is one of the most iconic dishes in Turkish cuisine.
Legend says it was once a royal delicacy served only at palace banquets; today, countless local versions can be found throughout the city’s streets.
