Adana (Province)

Located on the fertile soils of Çukurova in the Mediterranean Region, Adana has borne the traces of many civilizations throughout history, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans like. Fed by the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers, region has become a central hub due to its agricultural production, industry, and strategic location important as a trade center. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, city attracts attention with its rich cuisine, historical structures, and natural beauty. Today Adana continues to be one of Türkiye’s important cities due to its advanced transportation network, industry regions, and cultural richness.

Adana (Source: Pexels/Kaan Durmuş)

History

Adana has a deep history extending back to 3000 BCE. Believed to have been established along the Seyhan River and recognized as one of the earliest human settlements, Adana was one of the most important cities of Ancient Cilicia. The region served as a cradle for numerous civilizations throughout history and was ruled by many different peoples and states house.

Early Ages and Antiquity

The earliest written record of Adana is found in the Hittite Kava Tablets, where the region is referred to as “Uru Adania” (Town of Adana). This indicates that the name Adana has a history of approximately 3640 years. Additionally, the Tepebağ Höyüğü, dated to around 6000 BCE, reveals significant archaeological evidence of early settled life in the region Neolithic.

Around 1900 BCE, Adana came under the rule of the Luwian Kingdom, followed by the Arzawa Kingdom (1500–1333 BCE). During the Hittite Kingdom’s dominance between 1900 and 1200 BCE, the region became part of the Hittite Federation. In the 9th century BCE, the Assyrians seized control, followed by the Iranians in the 7th century BCE. In 333 BCE, Adana came under the control of Macedonia when Alexander the Great’s army arrived and linked it to the Battle of Issos stage. After Alexander’s death, the region became part of the Seleucid Kingdom.

With the rise of the Roman Empire, Adana came under Roman rule in the 1st century BCE and became one of Rome’s most important trade centers. During the Byzantine period (4th century CE), the region gained strategic importance importance due to its favorable geographical position.

Medieval Period

During the Middle Era, Adana successively came under the control of the Arabs (Umayyads and Abbasids), Byzantines, and Seljuks. After the Umayyads conquered the region in 638 CE, Adana became an important Islamic culture center. During the Seljuks period (1083–1097), numerous Turkic tribes settled in the region, and it began to bear the marks of Turkish-Islamic culture. During the Crusades, Adana came under the control of a duration Armenian Kingdom short. In the 14th century, under Mamluk rule, Adana became home to many Turkmen tribes.

Ottoman Period

Adana served as the capital of the Ramazanoğlu Beylik, established in 1352. After the Ottoman Empire conquered the beylik in 1517, Adana became part of Ottoman territory. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the region became one of the Ottoman Empire’s key military and commercial centers. During Yavuz Sultan Selim’s Egyptian Campaign, Adana became a major strategic base. Significant construction activities took place in the Adana region until the mid-19th century, with important structures being built.

Modern Era and War of Independence

After World War I, Adana was occupied by the French on 24 December 1918. The people of Adana mounted strong resistance against the French occupation and organized as the “Cilicia National Forces Organization.” Victories against the French in 1920 strengthened the Turkish resistance in the region. Through the Ankara Agreement of 1921, the French fully withdrew from Adana, and on 5 January 1922, Adana was reintegrated into Turkish territory. This date is celebrated annually as Adana’s Liberation Day.

Geographical Structure

Adana is located in southern Türkiye, within the Çukurova region of the Mediterranean Region. The city is situated on the southern slopes of the Taurus Mountains and along the Seyhan River. Adana is approximately 160 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea and lies along one of the most important road and railway black corridors between Europe and Asia. The province’s territory presents diverse geographical features, including both mountainous and plain areas.

Adana (Source: Pexels/Mehmet Turgut Kırkgöz)

Geographical Location and Boundaries

Adana lies within the Çukurova Delta in southern Türkiye and borders Osmaniye, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and other provinces to the east. To the west it borders İçel, and to the northeast it shares land borders with Kayseri and Niğde provinces. The southern boundary of Adana is the Mediterranean Sea. The city, situated on both banks of the Seyhan River, lies between 35°–38° north latitudes and 34°–36° east longitudes.

Topography

Adana’s topography is a combination of mountainous and plain areas. The Taurus Mountains rise in the north, northeast, and east of the province, and the fertile lands at their foothills form the plains. The city consists of 49% mountainous terrain, 23% highland pastures, and 27% plains and flatlands. The Taurus Mountains are characterized by peaks exceeding 2500 meters in height, descending toward the Mediterranean. The Gülek Pass is a significant geographical corridor connecting the southern and northern sides of the Taurus Mountains. The Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers originate in the interior Anatolia and flow through these mountains to reach the Mediterranean.

Rivers and Lakes

Adana is fed by the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers. The Seyhan River originates in the Taurus Mountains and is one of the region’s most important water sources. The Ceyhan River is the second major river in the region. These two river have also contributed to the formation of various dam lakes. Important irrigation and energy production dams such as Seyhan Dam, Çatalan Dam, and Kozan Dam are major water structures along these rivers. Additionally, the Yedi Göller in the Taurus Mountains form natural beauties as glacial lakes.

Climate

Adana is under the influence of a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. The average annual rainfall is 625 mm, with the highest precipitation occurring in winter months. During Summer months, particularly July and August, temperatures reach 28°C, while in January, the coldest moon of winter, the average temperature is around 9°C. The average relative humidity in the city is 66%, rising to 90% during summer months. Climatic conditions vary between the northern and southern parts of the province due to the influence of high mountains and the Taurus range.

Vegetation

Adana’s plant cover is shaped by the Mediterranean climate. Lowland areas are dominated by maquis communities. Between 700 and 800 meters, plants such as myrtle, sandal, pine, and zakkum are common, while above 800 meters, broad-leaved oaks and needle-leaved pines predominate. Above 2000 meters in the Taurus Mountains, Alp meadows and alpine vegetation are found. In the southern part of Çukurova, natural vegetation has been largely destroyed due to intensive agricultural activity.

Geological Structure

Adana’s geological structure is marked by differences between mountainous and plain areas. The Taurus Mountains are generally young mountains formed during the second half of the Tertiary geological period. Regions such as the Aladağlar and Bolkar Mountains consist of limestone from the late Carboniferous to early Permian. These mountains have been shaped by numerous earthquake and volcano activities similar to the Alps. The plain areas are composed of alluvial materials and include large agricultural zones such as Çukurova and Yukarıova.

Economic Structure

Adana, located in the Çukurova region, is one of Türkiye’s most important agricultural and industrial centers. Agriculture plays a major role in the provincial economy, with significant shares in the production of soybeans, peanuts, citrus, watermelon, cotton, and maize. Adana accounts for 69% of Türkiye’s soybean production, 41% of peanut production, and 18% of watermelon production. It also holds a 28% share in citrus production.

Adana’s total agricultural land covers 539,000 hectares, with 40% under irrigated farming. Thanks to irrigation facilities and favorable climatic conditions, agricultural production continues to increase. Between 2005 and 2011, vegetable production rose by 27.8%, and fruit production increased by 10.2%.

Industry also holds a significant place in Adana’s economy. The Hacı Sabancı Organized Industrial Zone in Adana, which generates annual exports of 750 million dollars, serves as the engine of the provincial economy. Between 2012 and 2013, Adana attracted 23% of Türkiye’s energy investments.

With its strong agricultural sector and industrial investments, Adana possesses considerable economic growth potential. This building ensures Adana’s strong position both in the domestic market and in international trade.

Infrastructure

Çukurova International Airport, which recognizes the importance of cargo transportation, is a project expected to boost the region’s exports. Road transport is the most important mode of transportation in Adana; the total road network spans 5,597 kilometers and is critical for the distribution of agricultural products. The railway length is 183 kilometers. Adana also has important seaports; the ports of Yumurtalık, Ceyhan, and Karataş are open to international shipping. The TAYSEB Port stands out for its capacity to serve large vessels. These transportation networks play a vital role in enhancing Adana’s foreign trade capabilities.

Demographic Structure

Adana is the seventh most populous province in Türkiye, with a population of 2,149,260. Its population density of 154 persons per square kilometer exceeds the national average, and the urbanization rate has reached 88.76%. The city’s young population represents a significant potential for economic and social development, with an annual population growth rate of approximately 1.1%. However, the net migration rate of -5.7‰ indicates that Adana has been experiencing outward migration in recent years.

Adana’s population growth has slowed over the years. Between 2012 and 2013, the city received 50,598 migrants but lost 62,933. While Adana was once among the provinces with the highest migration inflows, this situation has changed in recent years. The separation of Osmaniye in 1996 and economic factors have reduced migration activity in the city. Today, Adana experiences outward migration primarily due to unemployment and decline in the industrial sector.

In the ranking of Türkiye’s most populous provinces, Adana is seventh, showing a significant change when compared to the 1990s. In the 1990s, Adana ranked fourth, but since the 2000s, declining migration inflows and industrial contraction have caused this ranking to drop. Adana’s demographic structure has paralleled the decline in its industrial and agricultural sectors, leading to rising unemployment and prompting its young population to seek employment in other provinces.

These demographic changes in Adana have been shaped by transformations in labor, industry, and agriculture, resulting in a slowdown in population growth.

Seyhan River and Sabancı Mosque (Source: Pexels/Mernuka)

Historical Sites and Tourism

• Yılan Kale: Located on a hill dominating the plain between Misis and Ceyhan, this castle lies along the historic caravan route from Central Anatolia. Known locally as “Şahmeran Castle,” there is a legend that a man named Şeyh Meran raised snakes here.
• Dumlu Kalesi: Situated 17 kilometers northwest of Ceyhan, this castle was built in the 12th century and features eight towers. The castle contains structures, cisterns, and rock tombs, with a watchtower located in the eastern corner.
• Ramazanoğlu Medrese: Built in 1540, this medrese follows the classical Ottoman medrese plan. As a structure reflecting Ottoman architecture of the period, it is an important example of Adana’s historical and cultural heritage.
• Tepebağ Houses: The Tepebağ Houses, built in the 18th century, reflect the historical fabric of Adana city center and constitute an important settlement area preserving the culture of old Adana. These houses, located at the foot of Tepebağ Höyüğü, reflect traditional urban life in the city.
• Ramazanoğlu Mansion: Built in 1495 by Ramazanoğlu Halil Bey, this three-story mansion is one of Adana’s oldest residential examples. The harem section has survived to the present day, while the selamlık section has been destroyed over time.
• Hayriye Hanım Mansion: Located in the Reşatbey neighborhood of Seyhan district, this mansion dates to the late 19th century and is a fine example of Adana’s traditional mansion architecture.
• Kurtkulağı Caravanserai: Built in the late 17th century by Hüseyin Paşa, this caravanserai is located 12 kilometers southeast of Ceyhan. Constructed from large cut stones, it stood along an important trade route of its time.
• Ramazanoğlu Bazaar: Built in the 15th century along the Silk Road, this bazaar embodies Adana’s role as a commercial center. Trade continues in this bazaar, which has survived from the Ottoman period to the present.
• Çarşı Hamam: Built in 1529 by Ramazanoğlu Piri Bey, this bathhouse is a typical example of classical Ottoman bath architecture. The stonework on the entrance door is particularly noteworthy.
• Büyük Saat Kulesi: Built in 1882 by Governor Abidin Paşa, this tower is one of Adana’s iconic landmarks. Standing 32 meters tall within the historical Ulu Cami Külliyesi complex, it was constructed for timekeeping purposes.
• Taşköprü: Constructed in the 4th century, this bridge is one of the finest examples of Roman stonework. The central section of the 319-meter-long bridge features lion reliefs.
• Bahri Paşa Çeşmesi: Built in 1890 by Bahri Paşa, this fountain is an important historical water source in Adana. The fountain was removed in 1952 but was reconstructed in 1993 and relocated to Atatürk Park.
• Adana Yeşil Oba Martyrs’ Cemetery: Built in memory of around 100 Turks killed by Armenian forces in 1920, this cemetery recalls significant events in Adana’s recent history.
• Küçük Dikili Köyü Martyrs’ Cemetery: Built in memory of around 100 Turks killed by Armenian forces in 1920, this cemetery marks a pivotal moment in Adana’s National Struggle history.
• Saimbeyli Martyrs’ Cemetery: Built in memory of the 80 individuals who died defending Saimbeyli during the War of Independence, this cemetery symbolizes the region’s historical struggle.
• Silk Road: Structures such as Ceyhan–Kurtkulağı Caravanserai, Karaisalı Kesir Han, and Sarışıkhan lie along the Silk Road route and demonstrate Adana’s strategic position on historic trade routes.
• Kozan Castle and Monastery: Built by the Assyrians, Kozan Castle was used by the Abbasids in the 9th century, the Seljuks in the 11th century, and the Crusaders. It served as an important center in the Christian world, where baptismal ceremonies were held.
• Ulu Cami and Külliyesi: Construction of Ulu Cami began in 1513 and was completed in 1541. It bears traces of Seljuk, Mamluk, and Ottoman architecture. The adjacent tomb belongs to the Ramazanoğlu family.
• Hasan Ağa Mosque: Hasan Ağa Mosque, the only mosque from the Ottoman period in Adana, is an important structure reflecting classical Ottoman architecture and notable for its woodwork.
• Hoşkadem Mosque: Built in 1448 by Mamluk Sultan Abdullah Hoşkadem, this mosque is located in the Kozan district and is one of the region’s important religious structures.
• Yağ Mosque: Built in 1501 by Ramazanoğlu Halil Bey, this mosque was converted from an earlier church and is a significant Ottoman structure.
• Yeni Camii: Built in 1724, Yeni Camii is constructed in the Arab architectural style and is among Adana’s important religious buildings.
• Akça Mescit: Estimated to have been built in 1489, Akça Mescit is known as Adana’s oldest Turkish structure and is notable for its abjad dating.
• Bebekli Church: Built between 1880 and 1890 and known locally as Bebekli Church, this church features a statue of the Virgin Mary on its summit.

Administration

Vali

• The active Governor of Adana is Yavuz Selim Köşger . Köşger was appointed Governor of Adana by Presidential Decree No. 2023/376 dated 09.08.2023 and assumed office on 16.08.2023.