Places to Visit in Ceyhan

Places to visit in Ceyhan offer a unique experience to its visitors with its historical and natural beauties. Home to a rich heritage from historical castles to ancient mounds, from cultural structures to natural areas, Ceyhan has many treasures waiting to be discovered. As in the rest of Adana, in this region, too, you can learn about the historical and cultural depths. Adana Travel Guide You can review our article titled.

Abdulkadiraga Mosque

Known as the oldest mosque in Ceyhan, Abdulkadirağa Mosque was built in 1868 by Abdulkadir Ağa, one of the Noghais who first settled in Ceyhan. Also known as the “Ulu Mosque”, the building gained its current appearance with the addition of a minaret in 1946.

The restoration work of the mosque, which was damaged in the earthquake that occurred on June 27, 1998, continues today. Abdulkadirağa Mosque, which has an important structure in historical and cultural terms, is one of the important works that shed light on Ceyhan's past.

Anavarza Castle

Anavarza Castle is a structure located in the Kozan district of Adana and stands out as one of the important ancient castles of Turkey. Located within the ancient city of Anavarza, the castle draws attention with its position overlooking both the ancient city and Çukurova.

Located 28 kilometers from Kozan and 81 kilometers from Adana, Anavarza Castle offers a unique harmony of history and nature. Revealing its past importance with its strategic location, the castle is among the must-see places for visitors to the region.

Durhasan Dede Tomb

Although the exact construction date of the Durhasan Dede Tomb is unknown, it is estimated that it was built in the first quarter of the 18th century. The tomb, which is a small, square-plan, masonry structure, is covered with a single dome. From the inscription above the main door of the tomb, it is understood that it was repaired by Abidin Efendi in 1871.

In the area where the tomb is located, there is a village where Turkmen Bektashis live. Durhasan Dede's name, also known as "Yanyatır", indicates that he was accepted as a pir by the Tahtacı community of this branch. The tomb is an important visitor center especially for those who have Alevi and Bektashi beliefs.

It is said that Durhasan Dede was one of the sheikhs of Murat IV. When the great ruler Murat IV set up a tent in the Havraniye district of Misis during the Baghdad Campaign, Durhasan Dede visited the sultan and prayed for his success. The tomb awaits its visitors with its historical and spiritual value.

Kazankaya Castle

Ceyhan’a bağlı Kurtkulağı Köyü yakınlarında bulunan Kazankaya Kalesi, tarih boyunca farklı medeniyetlerin izlerini taşır. Asur, Pers ve Rome dönemlerine ait kalıntılara ev sahipliği yapan kale, Halep Kervan Yolu’nu korumak amacıyla bir karakol olarak inşa edilmiştir.

On the northeastern skirts of the castle, there are rock tombs and fountains from the Abbasid period. The castle, 15 kilometers from Ceyhan, is located 1 kilometer north of Kurtkulağı Town. Also known as the headquarters of the French armies in history, this castle has been turned into a public recreation area today with the afforestation of the area where its ruins are located.

The rock tombs around Kazankaya Castle are used as places of pilgrimage by the public and add a special spiritual value to the region. It is a stop worth exploring for nature and history enthusiasts.

Kurtkulağı Caravanserai

Kurtkulağı Caravanserai, built by Hüseyin Pasha in 1711, is located on the old Aleppo Caravan Road, 1 kilometer north of Kurtkulağı Village in Ceyhan. This structure, whose architect was Mehmet Ağa, bears the architectural features of Seljuk caravanserais.

The entrance door of the caravanserai, which is 23.60 x 45.75 meters in size, is direct and the rooms are covered with barrel vaults. This historical monument is also known as "Menzil Han".

In addition, the Kurtkulağı Mosque is located right next to the caravanserai. From the eight-line inscription on the mosque door, it is understood that it was built by a philanthropist named Haydar Ağa in 1901. The mosque, which has two domes, was built with hewn stones and has a portico in the courtyard.

Kurtkulağı Caravanserai and Mosque is an important cultural heritage that takes its visitors back to the past with its historical texture.

Misis Bridge (Stone Bridge)

Misis Bridge is a historical structure located on the Ceyhan River in the Misis town of the Yüreğir district of Adana. Known as the first Roman bridge in Anatolia, this bridge has great importance both architecturally and culturally.

According to a legend told in the region, Lokman the Hekim, who discovered the immortality medicine, dropped the paper on which he wrote the recipe of this medicine on the Misis Bridge and the paper was swept away by the river and lost. This story adds a mystical meaning to the area surrounding the bridge.

Misis Bridge is an important stop that attracts visitors with its atmosphere filled with both history and legends.

Sirkeli Mound

Sirkeli Mound, located in Sirkeli Village of Ceyhan district, 40 kilometers east of Adana, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cilicia. The mound is located on the west bank of the Ceyhan River, where it meets Nur Mountain. Its location on the historical road extending from Northern Syria to Central Anatolia via the Cilicia Gates (Gülek Strait) has made Sirkeli Mound a strategic crossing point.

The mound, which is approximately 400 x 300 meters in size and 30 meters high, bears traces of settlement not only on the west bank of the river but also on the east bank. Located on the old Misis-Ceyhan highway, next to this mound, there is a relief of the Hittite King Muwatalli II on a rock. This relief shows that Muwatalli used this place as a crossing point during the famous Battle of Kadesh with the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II and during his Syrian campaigns.

The Muvatalli II Relief, the oldest Hittite relief that can be dated in Anatolia, adds a special historical value to Sirkeli Mound. It is a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Tatarli Höyük

Tatarli Mound, Adana It is a historical mound located within the borders of Tatarlı Village, approximately 50 kilometers from the city center and 24 kilometers from the Ceyhan district. The mound, located on a basalt hill, is 35 meters high and measures 300 x 180 meters. Based on pottery findings, it is estimated that the mound was approximately 100 meters in diameter.

Before the excavations, there was a wedding hall on the mound. However, in line with the decision taken by the Adana Conservation Board, this structure was demolished and the historical and archaeological value of the mound was preserved.

Tatarlı Mound attracts attention as an important archaeological site bearing traces of the past and is worth exploring for history enthusiasts.

Tumlu Castle

Tumlu Castle, located on a high hill 17 kilometers from Ceyhan, is one of the most solid castles in the region. The castle, which is approximately 800 meters long in circumference, is protected by eight bastions and a single gate opening to the east.

While the castle's watchtower overlooking the plain, defensive moats and ramparts reveal its strategic importance, some ruins of structures and cellars within the castle attract attention. The rock tombs and shelters around the hill reveal traces of life in the castle in the past. Tumlu Castle is a must-see for history and nature enthusiasts.

Snake Castle

Yılan Castle, built on a hill overlooking the Ceyhan Plain between Adana and Ceyhan, draws attention with its historical and strategic importance. It is a part of the chain of castles that are an important stop on the historical caravan route starting from Central Anatolia and extending to Adana, Misis, Payas and Antakya via the Gülek Strait.

It is not known for sure who built the castle and when it was built. However, considering its architectural features, it is thought to date back to the Byzantine period. The castle, which is thought to have been built in the Middle Ages, may have also been used during the Crusader period.

The Snake Castle is approximately 700 meters long on the outer perimeter and is reinforced with eight two-story bastions. The bastions and the battlements between them are equipped with special holes for firing and have a work of art appearance with their detailed stonework. The castle, which is entered through the iron gate on the south side, provides easy access in all directions with the stairs leading to the large square inside.

Yılan Castle is one of the structures worth seeing in Adana, both historically and architecturally.

Places to visit in Ceyhan offer an unforgettable route for those who want to experience history and nature together. In this district where every corner has a different story, historical ruins and natural beauties take you on a journey between the past and the present. After discovering these riches of Ceyhan, you can learn about the other beauties of Adana. Places to Visit in Adana You can also visit our article titled.