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The Seyhan River and Historic Adana 2026A walk through the city's oldest heart
After an introduction to Greater Adana's Seyhan, Çukurova, Yüreğir and Sarıçam districts, this guide turns to the old centre. Many of the city's defining landmarks stand close enough to explore largely on foot:
- Taşköprü across the Seyhan River.
- Tepebağ and its historic houses.
- Ulu Mosque and the Ramazanoğlu complex.
- The Büyük Saat clock tower.
- Historic markets and bathhouses.
Together, they explain Adana before its expansion into the large modern city seen today.
The Seyhan: the river around which Adana grewThe Seyhan Nehri passes through the heart of Adana, separating central Seyhan on the west bank from Yüreğir to the east.
More than a dividing line, it helped sustain the city's development through water supply, agriculture in Çukurova and river crossings. The watercourse remains fundamental to Adana's shape.
Today, the riverbanks offer views combining older buildings with the modern skyline.
Taşköprü: Adana's landmark stone bridgeTaşköprü is one of the city's principal symbols. Its origins belong to the Roman period; an inscription held by Adana Museum associates the bridge with the architect Auxentios roughly 1,700 years ago.
It measures approximately 319 metres long and 11.4 metres wide. Of the original 21 arches, 14 remain visible.
Following restoration in 2006, the bridge was closed to vehicle traffic and became a pedestrian crossing. Visitors can therefore pause over the river and appreciate the city without passing cars.
Taşköprü's lighting in 2026On 31 March 2026, Adana Governorate announced completion of the first phase of a new bridge-lighting project. Further work on lower sections was linked to falling river levels, so the first-phase announcement should not be read as confirmation that the entire programme was finished.
An evening visit offers a different atmosphere: minarets, lights reflected in the Seyhan, surrounding parks and the modern skyline can be seen together after sunset.
Tepebağ: much more than an old neighbourhoodTepebağ, near Taşköprü on the west bank, stands on and around Tepebağ Höyüğü, an archaeological mound preserving some of central Adana's earliest settlement.
Excavations begun in 2013 investigate these older layers. The district therefore represents far more than the last two centuries of domestic architecture: beneath its streets lie traces of much earlier urban life.
Tepebağ's traditional housesSurviving Tepebağ Evleri illustrate Adana before modern towers. Features include stone ground floors, timber in upper storeys, projecting windows and balconies, internal courtyards, and roofing and details adapted to the hot climate.
Official accounts date a number of surviving houses to the eighteenth century and later periods.
Walking is the best way to appreciate their lanes and façades; a drive through the area misses many of the small details.
Ulu Mosque and the Ramazanoğlu periodAdana Ulu Cami stands within a short walk of Tepebağ. Construction began under Ramazanoğlu Halil Bey in the early sixteenth century and was completed by his son Piri Mehmet Paşa in 1541.
Its architecture brings together Seljuk, Mamluk and Ottoman influences. Alternating light and dark stone is particularly distinctive, alongside the minaret, decoration and carved stone entrances.
The Ramazanoğlu legacyThe Ramazanoğulları ruled parts of Çukurova for centuries and helped shape the heart of historic Adana.
Their legacy includes Ulu Mosque, the Ramazanoğlu residence, the historic bazaar, Çarşı Hamamı, the madrassah and associated buildings.
Seen together, these sites show how political authority, worship, education and commerce occupied neighbouring spaces within the old centre.
Ramazanoğlu KonağıThe Ramazanoğlu residence, near the mosque, was commissioned by Halil Bey in 1495. It accommodated the ruling household and also had an official reception and administrative section.
Historical accounts associate it with visits by prominent Ottoman figures, including Selim I and Murad IV during their campaigns.
The harem served the private household, while the selamlık was used for reception and official business. Descriptions of the residence also refer to an upper terrace with a pool.
On 9 October 2026, the historic Selamlık building near Ramazanoğlu Konağı and Büyük Saat opened as Selamlık Sofra Mirası Evi, the Selamlık Culinary Heritage House, introducing Adana and Çukurova food and table culture. Its opening formed part of the tenth International Adana Taste Festival. Confirm current visiting hours and admission arrangements before adding it to your walk.
Its position beside mosque and market makes the close relationship between administration, religion and trade easy to understand.
Büyük Saat: 32 metres of late Ottoman historyA short walk from Ulu Mosque, Büyük Saat, the Great Clock Tower, rises 32 metres above the street.
Construction began in 1881 and was completed in 1882. Built in stone and brick, it displayed the time for the city's working day and prayer schedule.
Today, its clock, evening lighting and surrounding historic streets make it one of old Adana's most recognisable photographic subjects.
Ramazanoğlu BazaarThe area around mosque and clock tower has long been an important commercial centre. Ramazanoğlu Çarşısı traces its foundation to the fifteenth century, within the trading networks passing through Adana and Cilicia.
Bazaars, Çarşı Hamamı, remains of old commercial inns and traditional trading buildings form part of this historic fabric.
Although shops and goods have changed, the area retains its commercial role.
Çarşı HamamıÇarşı Hamamı, the market bathhouse, was built by Piri Mehmet Paşa in 1529.
Its traditional Ottoman arrangement includes a cool section, warmer and hot areas, and private bathing rooms.
The bathhouse is a reminder that the old city comprised social and practical services as well as mosques and markets.
Other religious landmarksOther buildings to notice while walking include Yağ Camii, Bebekli Kilise and Yeşil Mescit.
Their proximity reflects successive periods and the different communities that lived in the historic centre. You need not visit every interior: understanding the area as a connected whole is more rewarding than rushing between buildings.
A walk through old AdanaThe principal sights are relatively close together. Start at Taşköprü, continue into Tepebağ, then walk towards Ulu Mosque, Ramazanoğlu Konağı, Büyük Saat, the historic bazaar and Çarşı Hamamı.
This route connects the main historical layers without needing a car between every stop.
A suggested half-day- Morning: Begin beside the Seyhan, cross Taşköprü on foot and pause to photograph river and city.
- Mid-morning: Explore Tepebağ's old houses and view the archaeological area from permitted places.
- Before lunch: Continue to Ulu Mosque, Ramazanoğlu Konağı and the surrounding market, checking current admission arrangements.
- Early afternoon: Finish around Büyük Saat and nearby streets.
If evening photography interests you, return to Taşköprü after sunset to see the illuminated riverside.
Practical tips- Heat: In summer, walk in the morning or later afternoon.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes make the historic centre easier to explore.
- Mosques: Respect prayer times and appropriate dress.
- Tepebağ: Stay outside barriers around excavations and restoration work.
- Photography: Taşköprü and Büyük Saat reward a second visit after sunset.
Reading the city's history on footWithin a compact area, Taşköprü introduces Roman history; Tepebağ reveals older settlement layers; Ulu Mosque and Ramazanoğlu Konağı recall the region's Islamic political and cultural flourishing; Büyük Saat represents late Ottoman Adana; and the markets continue their centuries-old commercial function.
The Seyhan and old centre provide the best introduction to the city before the next guide heads north-west towards Karaisalı and the Çakıt Valley, with Varda Bridge, Kapıkaya Canyon and the railway through the Taurus Mountains.
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