Adana: The Heartbeat of Southern Turkey

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-cha-kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yuhr]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Teh-sheh-koor eh-deh-reem]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zoor dee-leh-reem]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nah-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz?
  [Ee-yee-eem. Sehz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Een-gee-leez-cheh ko-noo-shu-yor moo-soo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [Ahn-lah-muh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Meh-noo-yu gur-mek is-tee-yo-room, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Eht ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [Sheh-reh-feh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Uh-deh-mek is-tee-yo-room, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-duhm eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zahk-lahsh]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Poh-lee-see ah-rah-yuhn]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dohk-tor chah-yuh-ruhn]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kah-yohl-doom]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Hah-stah-yuhm]

• I'd like to buy...Almak istiyorum...
  [Al-mak is-tee-yo-room]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-je bah-kuh-yo-room]
• How much is it?Kaç lira?
  [Kach lee-rah]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo choak pah-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-ya-tuh in-deh-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chook]
• MorningSabah
  [Sah-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-leh-den ah-sor-ah]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ahk-shahm]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Yah-ruhn]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Dohrt]
• 5Beş
  [Behsh]
• 6Altı
  [Ahl-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Seh-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Doh-kooz]
• 10On
  [Oon]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [Neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-rehs neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ree-tah-da) gur-steh-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Bir sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Beer son-rah-kuh (oh-toh-booos) neh zah-mahn]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ya)
  [Beer bee-let (....'yah)]

Adana's history dates back to the Neolithic age, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlements as early as 6000 BC. During the Hittite era, Adana was an important city within the Hittite Empire. Known as Uru Adaniya, it played a significant role in the region's political and economic landscape.

Adana flourished under Roman rule, becoming a vital city in the province of Cilicia. The construction of the Taşköprü (Stone Bridge) over the Seyhan River in the 2nd century AD is a testament to Roman engineering prowess. During the Byzantine period, Adana continued to be a significant administrative and military center.

In the 7th century, Adana fell under Arab control following the Muslim conquests. The city became part of the Umayyad and later the Abbasid Caliphates. In the 11th century, the Seljuks conquered Adana, introducing Turkish influence to the region. The city's strategic importance was evident throughout these periods.

From the 12th to the 14th centuries, Adana was part of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. The city prospered as a trade and cultural hub, benefiting from its position on the trade routes between Europe and the Middle East. The Armenians left a lasting cultural imprint on the region.

Adana was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1517. Under Ottoman rule, the city saw significant development, including the construction of mosques, baths, and other infrastructure. The Great Mosque, built in the 16th century, is a notable example of Ottoman architecture in Adana.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Adana became a major center for the cotton industry, earning the nickname 'Cotton Capital of Turkey.' The city played a crucial role during the Turkish War of Independence. In recent decades, Adana has grown into a modern metropolis, balancing its rich historical heritage with economic growth.

Adana is renowned for its vibrant culture, including the annual Adana Film Festival and the International Sabancı Theater Festival. The city's culinary heritage, particularly its famous Adana kebab, reflects a rich blend of influences from different eras and cultures. Traditional crafts, music, and dance also play a pivotal role in Adana's cultural landscape.

Adana is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The main gateway is Adana Şakirpaşa Airport (ADA), which offers both domestic and international flights. From the airport, the city center is just a short taxi or shuttle ride away. Adana is also accessible by train, with services from major Turkish cities like Istanbul and Ankara. For those traveling by road, Adana is connected via major highways and intercity bus services.

Public transportation in Adana includes buses, minibuses (dolmuş), and trams. The Adana Metro is a convenient and efficient way to navigate through the city. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle or walking, particularly in the central areas where many attractions are located. Car rentals are also available for those looking to explore the surrounding regions.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Adana. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in more remote areas. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city, including at the airport and major shopping centers.

Adana is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas like Seyhan and some parts of Yüreğir have higher crime rates and should be visited with caution. Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance, 155 for police, and 110 for fire services. Adana has several hospitals and clinics that provide emergency medical care. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (eczane) are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, remove your shoes and cover your head if you are a woman. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Adana like a local, visit the vibrant markets such as the Büyük Saat and Kazancılar Bazaar, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss trying Adana kebab, a local culinary delight. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Seyhan River and visit the historical Taşköprü (Stone Bridge).