Adana

Adana is a city in southern Turkey, serving as the capital of Adana Province. It lies on the Seyhan River in the Çukurova plain near the Mediterranean coast and is one of Turkey's largest urban centers, acting as a major regional economic and cultural hub.

The area has been inhabited since ancient times and was part of Cilicia. It came under Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine rule, and later became part of the Ottoman Empire before joining the Turkish Republic. The city grew with agricultural development in Cilicia, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Adana's economy is rooted in agriculture from the fertile plain, especially cotton, citrus and grains, supplemented by manufacturing in textiles, food processing and construction materials. Its location near Mersin, and its rail and road networks, support logistics and trade in the region.

Landmarks include the Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge) over the Seyhan River, dating to Roman times, and Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque). The Sabancı Merkez Camii is one of Turkey's largest mosques. The Adana Archaeology Museum covers Cilicia's history, and the Tepebaşı district preserves historic streets. The city is renowned for its cuisine, notably Adana kebabı and the sour-malty drink şalgam.

Adana is served by Adana Şakirpaşa Airport and is a major railway hub with connections to Istanbul, Ankara and other cities. The province hosts several higher education institutions, including Çukurova University.