Adana sits in the middle of the Çukurova plain — one of Turkey’s most fertile agricultural regions — where the Seyhan River approaches the Mediterranean. The Adana kebab — a long, flat-ground lamb and beef skewer grilled over charcoal — originated here and remains the city’s defining dish.
An afternoon eating kebab at one of the old kebabçıs near the Stone Bridge is the real Adana experience.
- Region
- Mediterranean / Çukurova
- River
- Seyhan
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- Famous for
- Adana kebab, Stone Bridge
Taş Köprü — the Roman Stone Bridge
The Taş Köprü(Stone Bridge) over the Seyhan was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, making it one of the oldest bridges in the world still carrying traffic. At 310 metres and 21 arches, it is also one of the longest. Illuminated at night, with the river flowing below and the city behind, it makes for one of Turkey’s most striking views.
Sabancı Merkez Mosque
Built between 1988 and 1998 and funded by the Sabancı family, the Sabancı Merkez Camiiis Turkey’s largest mosque — capable of holding 28,500 worshippers. Its six minarets and massive dome dominate the city skyline.
Adana kebab and the food scene
The Adana kebap uses a mixture of coarsely minced lamb, tail fat and red pepper, hand-formed onto a wide flat skewer and grilled over charcoal. The result is juicy, charred and deeply savoury.
Şalgam suyu — a fermented, sharp purple carrot and turnip juice — is the traditional accompaniment. It pairs perfectly with the fatty kebab.
Day trip: Tarsus
Thirty kilometres west, Tarsusis the birthplace of St. Paul and one of the ancient world’s great cities. Cleopatra arrived here by boat to meet Mark Antony. Today it offers Roman-era streets, a well claimed to be St. Paul’s, and a restored Ottoman old city.
Adana in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Adana
2Adana is famous for Adana kebap (spiced minced meat skewer), the ancient Roman Stone Bridge, Turkey's largest mosque and the adjacent ancient city of Tarsus.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are best — summer in Adana is extremely hot and humid.