Adana history

The history of Adana, one of the world's oldest cities, dates back to ancient times. Located in the heart of the fertile Çukurova plain on the banks of the Seyhan River, this city has witnessed the rise and fall of great civilisations for millennia. The first settlements in its territory appeared as early as the Neolithic era, while significant mentions are associated with the Hittite period. In the 14th century BC, the city, known as Uru Adaniya, already existed as part of the Kingdom of Kizzuwatna, which was under the influence of the Hittite Empire. There is also a beautiful legend stating that the city was founded by Adanus, the son of the Titan Uranus.

Adana owes its development and prosperity to several key factors. Firstly, its strategic geographical location on the Seyhan River (ancient Sarus) and in the centre of the Cilician plain, one of the most fertile regions in the Mediterranean, fostered agricultural development, particularly cotton cultivation. Secondly, the city stood at the crossroads of vital trade routes connecting Anatolia with Syria and Mesopotamia, making it a major commercial hub for centuries.

Due to its location, the city also held immense military significance, attracting the attention of numerous conquerors. Throughout its long history, Adana was part of great powers such as the Hittite, Assyrian, Persian, and Macedonian empires. Later, it became part of the Roman Empire, subsequently coming under Byzantine control and finally the Ottoman Empire, each leaving its unique mark on the city's appearance and culture.

In the classical era, Adana experienced significant Hellenistic and later Roman influence. During the rule of the Roman Empire, the city remained an important centre, although it was secondary to neighbouring Tarsus. It was during this time, presumably in the 2nd century AD, that the famous stone bridge Taşköprü was built; it remains in use to this day as one of the oldest functioning bridges in the world. The city's economy in those times was based on agriculture and trade, while its culture represented a unique blend of Anatolian, Greek, and Roman traditions.

Key Stages in Adana's History

The history of Adana is a kaleidoscope of civilisations, each leaving its mark on the culture and architecture of this ancient city. From Hittite times to modern Turkey, Adana has been a vital centre at the crossroads of trade and military routes.

• Around 1400 BC — The city, known as Uru Adaniya, is first mentioned in Hittite cuneiform tablets as part of the Kingdom of Kizzuwatna.
• 333 BC — The forces of Alexander the Great capture the city, beginning a period of Hellenistic influence in the region.
• 64 BC — Adana becomes part of the Roman Republic under the command of Pompey the Great.
• 2nd Century AD — During the Roman period, the stone bridge Taşköprü is built, one of the oldest operating bridges in the world.
• 395 AD — Following the division of the Roman Empire, the city becomes part of the Byzantine Empire.
• Around 1080s — The city is conquered by the Seljuk Turks, marking the beginning of Turkic influence in the region.
• 1132 — Adana becomes part of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, becoming an important trade and craft centre.
• 1360 — The city becomes the capital of the independent Ramazanoğulları Emirate, which ruled here until the Ottoman conquest.
• 1517 — Sultan Selim I incorporates Adana into the Ottoman Empire, giving a new impetus to the city's development.
• 1882 — The Great Clock Tower (Büyük Saat Kulesi) is built, becoming a symbol of the city's modernisation.
• January 5, 1922 — After the conclusion of the Turkish War of Independence, Adana officially becomes part of the modern Republic of Turkey.
• 1998 — The city and its surroundings suffer serious damage from a major earthquake, leading to extensive reconstruction works.

Major Milestones in Adana's Development

The development of Adana is the story of an ancient city transforming into one of the key industrial and cultural hubs of modern Turkey. Each stage left its mark on the economy, architecture, and social life, shaping the unique character of the metropolis.

• Roman Heritage and Trade Routes: The construction of the stone bridge Taşköprü in the 2nd century AD was a turning point in the city's early history. This bridge, one of the oldest still in use globally, turned Adana into a strategically important node on the trade and military roads connecting the Roman Empire with its eastern provinces, laying the foundation for its future economic prosperity.
• Centre of the Ramazanoğulları Emirate: In the 14th century, Adana became the capital of the Ramazanoğulları Emirate, initiating a significant cultural and architectural flourishing. During this period, iconic structures were erected that formed the historical face of the city centre, including the Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) complex and madrasahs, which remain important architectural monuments today.
• "Cotton Capital" of the Ottoman Empire: In the 19th century, thanks to its location in the centre of the fertile Çukurova plain, Adana became the empire's main centre for cotton production and processing. The economic boom, bolstered by rising global demand, led to the construction of factories, attraction of investment, and rapid population growth, securing the city's status as the "Cotton Capital".
• Late 19th Century Modernisation: The economic rise was accompanied by large-scale urban planning transformations in the spirit of the times. The construction of the Great Clock Tower (Büyük Saat Kulesi) and the laying of the railway line connecting Adana to the port of Mersin became symbols of modernisation and strengthened its role as a vital industrial and logistical centre of the Ottoman Empire.
• Seyhan Dam Project and Industrialisation: The completion of the dam on the Seyhan River in the 1950s was the most important event of the 20th century for Adana. This project not only protected the city from devastating floods but also provided the region with affordable electricity and irrigation water. This gave a powerful boost to further industrialisation and economic diversification, turning Adana into one of Turkey's leading industrial cities.
• Development of Education and Culture: The founding of Çukurova University in 1973 transformed Adana into a major educational and scientific centre for the region. In recent decades, the city has also actively developed its cultural identity by hosting international events, such as the Golden Boll Film Festival, contributing to the formation of a new, modern image for the city.

The architectural appearance of Adana is a multi-layered canvas where each era has left its unique pattern. The city's urban development reflects its long and rich history, from ancient times to its transformation into a modern metropolis. The old and new parts of the city vividly demonstrate this contrast: the historical centre with its narrow streets and traditional buildings sits alongside wide avenues and modern structures.

Antiquity and the Byzantine Period

The most outstanding monument of this era, which defined the city's development for millennia to come, is the stone bridge Taşköprü. Built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, this bridge across the Seyhan River became a key link on the trade and military routes connecting Anatolia with the eastern provinces. Its monumental and robust construction is a prime example of Roman engineering, which valued functionality and durability. The bridge, being one of the oldest functioning ones in the world, remains an important part of the urban landscape today.

Era of the Beyliks and the Ottoman Empire

The greatest contribution to the formation of Adana's historical centre was made during the rule of the Ramazanoğulları dynasty (from the 14th century) and the subsequent Ottoman era. The architecture of this time harmoniously intertwined influences of Seljuk, Mamluk, and early Ottoman styles.

• Ulu Cami (Great Mosque): The construction of this complex, begun in 1513, is a fine example of architectural synthesis. Its appearance combines decorative elements characteristic of Seljuk and Mamluk architecture with the stricter forms of the early Ottoman period.
• Yağ Cami (Oil Mosque): Originally a church, it was converted into a mosque in 1501. It is the oldest mosque in the city, preserving features of Seljuk architecture, which is particularly noticeable in its low vaulted ceilings.
• Great Clock Tower (Büyük Saat Kulesi): Built in 1882, this 32-metre tower is a symbol of the city's modernisation during the late Ottoman period. Its style reflects the influence of European neoclassicism, which was popular in the Ottoman Empire at that time.

Architecture of the Turkish Republic and Modernity

The 20th and 21st centuries brought modern architectural solutions to Adana's appearance. The city has expanded significantly, with new residential districts, business centres, and public spaces appearing. The crown jewel of modern religious architecture is the Sabancı Central Mosque (Sabancı Merkez Camii), opened in 1998. It is one of the largest mosques in Turkey, built in the classical Ottoman style but utilising modern technologies. Its majestic domes and six minarets, reminiscent of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, dominate the city skyline and symbolise its modern development, inextricably linked with its rich historical heritage.

The city of Adana is not only an important cultural and economic hub of Turkey, but also the birthplace of many prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the country's arts, sports, and literature. Here are just a few of them:

Yılmaz Güney

• Role: Film director, actor, screenwriter, and author.
• Significance: One of the most iconic figures in the history of Turkish cinema. Güney received worldwide acclaim for his socially critical films. His film "The Way" (Yol) was awarded the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1982, marking the pinnacle of his international career.

Yaşar Kemal

• Role: Writer and human rights activist.
• Significance: One of Turkey's leading novelists of the 20th century, nominated multiple times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. His most famous novel, "Memed, My Hawk" (İnce Memed), has been translated into more than forty languages and tells the story of life in the Adana region.

Fatih Terim

• Role: Footballer and manager.
• Significance: A legendary football manager born in Adana, nicknamed "The Emperor". He led the Istanbul club Galatasaray to victory in the UEFA Cup in 2000 — the first European trophy in the history of Turkish football. Terim has also managed the Turkish national team on multiple occasions.

Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ

• Role: Actor and model.
• Significance: One of the most popular and highest-paid actors in modern Turkish cinema and television. Born in Adana, he gained international fame throughout the Middle East and beyond thanks to roles in series such as "Forbidden Love" (Aşk-ı Memnu) and "Kurt Seyit and Shura".

Nebahat Çehre

• Role: Actress, model, and singer.
• Significance: A style icon and one of the most respected actresses of the senior generation. Although born in Samsun, her career and personal life are closely intertwined with figures associated with Adana; notably, she was married to Yılmaz Güney. She achieved global fame for her role as the Valide Sultan in the popular historical series "Magnificent Century".

Ferdi Tayfur

• Role: Singer, composer, actor.
• Significance: One of the pioneers and most successful performers in the Arabesque genre. Throughout his long career, which began in Adana, he has released over 30 albums, starred in dozens of films, and become a true folk idol in Turkey.