Adana

Adana is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia with a marvelous array of historic sites, some dating to 6000 B.C. It is Turkey's fourth largest city with a population of 1.5 million residents (2004). Adana also is widely recognized as a flourishing province with arable plains, highlands, and rivers. Part of Adana's economic base is a significant textile industry. Adana also is a gold import trading center.

Nearby places to visit abound in the region.

The ruins of the ancient city of Anavarza resemble an open-air museum.

Ulu Cami Mosque was built in 1507 in the Syrian or Mamluk style. The structure is dressed in black and white marble with decorative flourishes around the windows.

Bird watchers will appreciate several Bird Protection Areas in the vicinity of Adana.

The Haruniye Thermal Tourism Centre in Bahce is one of several hot springs.

Another Adana plus is outdoor activities. The highlands offer trails for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Fishing is good on the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers -- and the surf's up on Adana's dam lake. The province also offers hunting opportunities, as well as wildlife preserves that breed mountain goats and deer on the Toros mountain slopes.