Adana (Province)

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

^{Adana (Source: Pexels/}Kaan Durmuş⁾

Adana has a deep-rooted 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. Throughout its historical development, the region served as a cradle for many civilizations and hosted numerous different peoples and states.

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 3,640 years. Additionally, the Tepebağ Höyüğü, dated to around 6000 BCE, reveals significant archaeological evidence of early Neolithic settlement in the region.

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 Macedonian rule when Alexander the Great’s army passed through the region, which served as a backdrop to the Battle of Issus. After Alexander’s death, the region became part of the Seleucid Kingdom.

With the rise of the Roman Empire, Adana came under Roman control 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 due to its favorable geographic position.

During the Middle Ages, 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 center of Islamic culture. During the Seljuk period (1083–1097), numerous Turk tribes settled in the region, and it began to bear the marks of Turkic-Islamic culture. During the Crusades, Adana briefly came under the rule of the Armenian Kingdom. In the 14th century, under Mamluk administration, Adana became home to many Turkmen tribes.

Adana served as the capital of the Ramazanoğlu Beylik, established in 1352. After the Ottoman Empire conquered the beylik in 1517, Adana was incorporated into Ottoman territory. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the region became one of the Ottoman Empire’s key military and trade centers. During Yavuz Sultan Selim’s campaign to Egypt, Adana became a major strategic base. Extensive construction activities took place in the Adana region until the mid-19th century, resulting in the building of important structures.

After World War I, Adana was occupied by the French on 24 December 1918. The people of Adana mounted a strong resistance against the French occupation, organizing as the “Cilician 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.

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 lies approximately 160 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the major land and rail transport corridors connecting Europe and Asia. The province’s territory presents diverse geographical features, including both mountainous and plain areas.

^{Adana (Source: Pexels/}Mehmet Turgut Kırkgöz⁾

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

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 foothills of these mountain ranges 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 2,500 meters that descend toward the Mediterranean. The Gülek Pass is a significant geographical corridor enabling passage from south to north through the Taurus range. The Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers originate in Inner Anatolia, flow through these mountains, and reach the Mediterranean.

Adana is fed by the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers. The Seyhan River, originating in the Taurus Mountains, is one of the region’s most important water sources. The Ceyhan River is the region’s second major river. These two rivers have also given rise to several reservoir lakes. Important dams such as the Seyhan Dam, Çatalan Dam, and Kozan Dam serve critical purposes for irrigation and energy production. Additionally, the Yedi Göller in the Taurus Mountains form natural beauties as glacial lakes.

Adana is under the influence of the 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 during the winter months. During the summer months, particularly July and August, temperatures reach 28°C, while the coldest month, January, has an average temperature of around 9°C. The city’s average relative humidity is 66%, rising to as high as 90% during summer. Climatic conditions vary between the northern and southern parts of the province due to the influence of the high mountains and the Taurus range.

Adana’s vegetation is shaped by the Mediterranean climate. Lowland areas are dominated by maquis communities. Between 700 and 800 meters, plants such as myrtle, sandalwood, pine, and zakkum are common, while above 800 meters, deciduous oaks and coniferous pine species predominate. In the Taurus Mountains, above 2,000 meters, alpine meadows and alpine vegetation are found. In the southern part of Çukurova, natural vegetation has been largely destroyed due to intensive agricultural activity.

Adana’s geological structure is marked by contrasts 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 deposits from the late Carboniferous to early Permian. These mountains were shaped by numerous earthquakes and volcanic activity similar to the Alpine chain. The plains are composed of alluvial materials and host major agricultural areas such as Çukurova and Yukarıova.

Adana, located in the Çukurova region, is one of Türkiye’s most important agricultural and industrial centers. The agricultural sector plays a major role in the province’s economy, contributing significantly to the production of soybeans, peanuts, citrus, watermelon, cotton, and maize. Adana accounts for 69% of Türkiye’s soybean production, 41% of its peanut production, and 18% of its watermelon production. It also contributes 28% to the country’s citrus production.

Adana’s total agricultural land area is 539,000 hectares, with 40% under irrigation. Due to favorable irrigation opportunities and climatic conditions, agricultural output continues to grow. Between 2005 and 2011, vegetable production increased by 27.8% and fruit production by 10.2%.

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

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

Çukurova International Airport, which also facilitates cargo transportation, is 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 network is 183 kilometers long. 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.

Adana is Türkiye’s seventh most populous province, with a population of 2,149,260. Its population density of 154 people per square kilometer exceeds the national average, and its 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, its net migration rate of -5.7‰ indicates that Adana has been experiencing outward migration in recent years.

Adana’s population growth has slowed compared to previous decades. Between 2012 and 2013, the city received 50,598 migrants but lost 62,933 residents. While Adana was once among Türkiye’s top cities for population inflow, 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 currently seventh. This ranking reflects a significant change compared to the 1990s, when Adana ranked fourth. Since the 2000s, declining population inflow and contraction in the industrial sector have caused its position to fall. Adana’s demographic structure has paralleled the decline in its industrial and agricultural sectors, leading to increased 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⁾

• Yılan Kale: Located on a hill dominating the plain between Misis and Ceyhan, this castle lies along the historic caravan route from Inner Anatolia. Known locally as “Şahmeran Castle,” a legend claims 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. Within its walls are structures, cisterns, and rock tombs, with a watchtower located in the eastern corner.
• Ramazanoğlu Medresesi: Built in 1540, this medrese follows the classical Ottoman medrese plan. The structure reflects Ottoman-era architecture and is an important example of Adana’s historical and cultural heritage.
• Tepebağ Evleri: The Tepebağ Houses, built in the 18th century, reflect the historical fabric of central Adana and constitute an important settlement area preserving the culture of old Adana. Located at the foot of Tepebağ Höyüğü, these houses exemplify traditional urban life in the city.
• Ramazanoğlu Konağı: 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 Konağı: 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 Kervansarayı: Built in the late 17th century by Hüseyin Paşa, this caravanserai is located 12 kilometers southeast of Ceyhan. Constructed with large cut stones, it once stood along an important trade route of its era.
• Ramazanoğlu Çarşısı: Built in the 15th century and situated 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 Hamamı: Built in 1529 by Ramazanoğlu Piri Bey, this bathhouse is a typical example of classical Ottoman bath architecture. The stone craftsmanship on its entrance door is particularly striking.
• 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 Camii 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. It was removed in 1952 but reconstructed and relocated to Atatürk Park in 1993.
• Adana Yeşil Oba Şehitliği: This memorial was erected in honor of approximately 100 Turks killed by Armenian forces in 1920, recalling a significant event in Adana’s recent history.
• Küçük Dikili Köyü Şehitliği: This memorial commemorates approximately 100 Turks killed by Armenian forces in 1920 and marks a pivotal moment in Adana’s War of Independence history.
• Saimbeyli Şehitliği: This memorial honors the 80 individuals who died defending Saimbeyli during the War of Independence, symbolizing the region’s historical struggle.
• İpek Yolu: Structures such as the Ceyhan–Kurtkulağı Caravanserai, Karaisalı Kesir Han, and Sarışıkhan lie along the Silk Road route, illustrating Adana’s strategic position on historic trade routes.
• Kozan Kalesi ve Manastırı: 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 ve Külliyesi: Construction of the Ulu Camii began in 1513 and was completed in 1541. The mosque bears traces of Seljuk, Mamluk, and Ottoman architecture. The adjacent tomb belongs to the Ramazanoğlu family.
• Hasan Ağa Camisi: Hasan Ağa Mosque, the only mosque from the Ottoman period in Adana, is an important structure reflecting classical Ottoman architecture, notable for its woodwork.
• Hoşkadem Camisi: 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 Camisi: 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 was 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 Kilise: Built between 1880 and 1890 and known locally as Bebekli Kilise, this church features a statue of the Virgin Mary on its summit.

• The current governor of Adana is Yavuz Selim Köşger. Köşger was appointed governor of Adana by Presidential Decree No. 2023/376 dated 9 August 2023 and assumed office on 16 August 2023.