Speaking of holidays in Turkey, we most often mean resorts such as Antalya, Alanya, Belek, Marmaris, etc. However, there are many resort towns with a rich historical past and cultural present, for example, Adana (Turkey) near the southern coast of the country. In Europe, this city is known for its interesting and diverse cultural life. Every year, international film and theater festivals are held here, for example, the Altın Koza International Film Festival, which has been held since the late 60s of the last century. Touring concerts of classic and world pop stars and various large-scale events are also frequent.
Adana is not a seaside resort, so it is often not interesting to beach lovers. However, it is only 50 km from here to the coast. And the guests of the city, after exploring all the sights of Adana, can go to the coast in Mersin or Tarson and enjoy the sea beauties and magnificent beach vacations. And Adana is located on the banks of the Seyhan River, or rather, it is divided into two parts. Most hotels in the city are located in such a way that they offer beautiful views of the river landscapes.
A bit of history
The city of Adana (Turkey), which is the fourth largest and largest city of the Republic of Turkey, in ancient times was under the rule of the Roman, Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Cilicia, etc. The city has a history of many thousands. According to legend, it was founded by Adanus - the son of Uranus. Hence the name of the city. Only the last 6-7 centuries, Adana was first part of the Ottoman Empire, then the Republic of Turkey.
Today the city is divided into two parts: the old (with mosques, noisy oriental bazaars, hotel-sheds) and modern, which is known in the world as the new Europeanized city of Adana. Turkey (see photo in the article) is considered a European country, but if you look closely, it represents a mix of several cultures throughout its territory: Muslim and Christian, Eastern and Western, European and Asian.
Adana, although it was conquered by the Ottomans in the 14th century, was considered an Armenian city until the beginning of the 20th century. Ever since the time of Tigran the Great, this city was part of Great Armenia, the second time it passed into the hands of Armenians during the time of the Cilician kingdom. Since then, most of the population of Adana (more than 70%) were Armenians. In 1909, 6 years before the date of the Genocide, the Young Turks staged pogroms in the city and massacred the Armenian population of Adana. The city was aflame, rivers of blood flowed, but some indigenous people still managed to hide from their pursuers, they soon found refuge in neighboring countries: Syria, Lebanon, Greece, Kuwait.
Today, during city tours, Turkish guides do not mention a word that the Armenians once lived here, that many of the sights of the city were created by masters of this ancient people. In the vicinity of the city you can see the ruins of the fortresses of the Cilician kings and princes, which are unique monuments of medieval architecture.
How to get there?
Adana can be reached by air, rail and road. Turkish domestic flights from Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and the capital of Ankara fly here. Sakirpasa Airport is located on the outskirts of the city. From here, the center can be reached either by taxi or dolmush, which is much cheaper. You can also get to Adana from the capital and Istanbul by train or comfortable regular buses. Two city bus stations are located in the city center, in the immediate vicinity of the five-star Hilton Hotel and 4 km from the center. By the way, the city has a subway, which is very convenient for exploring sights and museums.
Climate
A mild and comfortable climate is what attracts Turkey. Although Adana is not a sea resort, it is also located in a very favorable climatic zone. It is never cold here, but there is also no sweltering heat. In summer, the air temperature warms up to a maximum of 32-33 degrees. There is not so much rainfall in the summer to spoil the vacation of visiting tourists, in the winter period it rains here, once or twice a season can snow.
Turkey, Adana: hotels
Do you like to travel in comfort? Let's say Turkey is next in your list of countries. Adana is a city in which there are all conditions for your trip to be interesting and exciting, and a stop at the Hilton hotel will allow you to relax in comfort.
Hilton 5 * Hotel is the most prestigious hotel and the highest building in Adana. It is located in a picturesque place, on the banks of the Seyhan River. Naturally, the hotel, owned by one of the most respected hotel brands, was built in the very center of the city. Here, city guests are provided with premium services.
There is another five-star hotel in Adana - Surmeli Cukurova. It is located on the outskirts of the city, closer to the airport. It is also convenient to walk to the shopping and historical center. It mainly stops tourists making shopping tours, and those who are not indifferent to history and come here with the aim of sightseeing.
Among the four-star hotels, Mavi Surmeli Hotel, Akkoc Butik Hotel are especially popular. By the way, many Asian 4 * hotel brands prefer countries such as Turkey. “Adana Park”, “Adana Plaza”, “Adana Saray” - all of them are representatives of well-known hotel chains. In all these hotels, tourists will find the highest level of service. All of them are beautifully decorated and furnished in a modern style, equipped with necessary appliances for the comfort of visitors, internet connection, etc. By the way, the cost of living in these hotels is quite acceptable. For example, a single room costs from 20 euros per day.
You can also find more budget hotels in Adana, such as the Inci Hotel, Sedef, Garajlar and Konya and Garajlar. Unlike 4 * and 5 * hotels, here you have to pay separately for all services.
Cuisine and restaurants
And what dishes is Turkey famous for? Adana is famous for adana-kebab, which is made exclusively from fatty mutton meat. The most popular drink here is Şalgam (turnip juice) or raki - a traditional alcoholic drink. The best restaurants in Adana where you can enjoy national cuisine are Kazancilar, Yüzevler Sercan and Bici Bici. And the best confectionery serving home-made ice cream is Mado.
sights
In Adana, there are many historical architectural monuments: mosques and minarets of the 15-16 centuries, Turkish baths (16 century), a two-thousand-year-old Roman bridge, which is still functioning today, as well as the ruins of Christian temples and churches. The city also has many historical and ethnographic museums.
Reviews of tourists about this southern city are sometimes enthusiastic, and less often more relaxed. There are tourists who say that the city did not make a proper impression on them, while others praise the service in restaurants and cafes. Fans of river landscapes talk about how pleasant it is to watch the peaceful course of the river from the windows of hotels located on the river. In short, Adana is the place to visit!