Adana Great Clock Tower

Big Clock Tower, located on Ali Münif Street in Seyhan district of Adana, is one of the city’s most important historic symbols. Standing 32 meters tall, building holds the title of Türkiye’s tallest hour clock tower. Constructed from cut stone, it has a square prism shape. It is noted that the foundation was dug to a depth of 35 meters and its walls were built using small brick tiles. The tower remained standing even after the 1998 Adana earthquake, drawing attention for its durability.

Big Clock Tower (Culture Portal)

History

Construction of the Big Clock Tower began in 1881 under the governorship of Adana’s Ziya Pasha. However, as Ziya Pasha did not live to see its completion, the tower was opened for service in 1882 during the term of Governor Abidin Pasha. Built as part of a wave of clock tower construction across the Ottoman Empire in the 1880s, the Big Clock Tower is the tallest among them. The Dolmabahçe Clock Tower in Istanbul ranks second. Initially known as “Saathane,” it acquired the name “Big Clock” to distinguish it from the smaller, piggybank-shaped “Küçüksaat” located in Adana’s busiest square.

Shortly after the installation of the first clock, a new clock mechanism was specially brought from Germany in 1925. Upon its activation, together, the powerful bell chime that rang every hour helped Adana’s residents regulate their daily routines, including work schedules and prayer prayer times. In later years, additional features such as anten and alarm whistles were added to the tower.

Architectural Features

The Big Clock Tower is entirely constructed from cut stone and has a square prism form with clocks on all four sides. Its construction using small, difficult-to-lay stone bricks enhanced the structure’s durability. An 110-step staircase leads to the top of the tower, which is 8 meters wide. The bell of the clock bears the inscription “Societe Jntibah Tourhan Djemala a co. Adana Turkey.” The clock mechanism was imported from Germany.

Restoration and Current Status

As part of a 2013 urban renewal and restoration project, the shops along Ali Münif Street, where the Big Clock Tower stands, were renovated to a uniform design, enhancing the street’s aesthetic appeal. Especially at night, the lighting applied to the tower and its surroundings has created a mystical, historically evocative atmosphere.

Transportation

The Big Clock Tower is located in the city center of Adana and is easily accessible by public transportation. It can be reached by dolmuş, people buses, municipality buses, and the metro. Additionally, it is reachable by taxi or public transport from the bus terminal and Şakir Paşa Airport in short minutes.

Historical and Tourist Sites Nearby

Due to its location in Adana’s historic district, the Big Clock Tower is surrounded by numerous point sites worth visiting. Yağcami, Kazancılar Çarşısı, Ramazanoğlu Konağı, Ziyapaşa Parkı, Ulucami, Kız Lisesi, Taşköprü, Sinema Müzesi, Atatürk Müzesi, Tepebağ Evleri, Musabalı Konağı, Sabancı Central Mosque and Center Park are all within walking distance. These sites offer tourists an enjoyable journey through Adana’s past. Additionally, around the tower, there are shops selling Adana’s oldest kebabs and local sweets such as cezerye.

Significance

Along with the Taşköprü, the Big Clock Tower is one of Adana’s most important symbols. It is an inseparable part of city identity, both through its architectural features and historical value. Its construction during a period when clock towers became widespread in the Ottoman Empire, and its survival to the present day in strong condition, further enhances its importance.