Photo: Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 7 places to visit in the Kozan district of Adana: Kozan Castle (Sis Castle), Anavarza Ancient City and Sin Monastery. Plan your trip to Kozan with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Kozan is a district of Adana province. It was founded in the part of the Adana plain known as Yukarı Ova, where the flat land gives way to hilly terrain, and lies 73 km from the provincial centre. Covering 1,903 km², it is one of Adana’s two largest districts apart from the metropolitan districts. Its altitude is 135 metres.
Kozan has long been an important settlement and served as the capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. The best-known early name of the town is Sis or Siski. During the Ottoman and Republican periods it was a provincial centre until 1926.
Kozan Castle became an important centre for the Christian world because of its holy oil (chrism) ceremonies. Anavarza Ancient City was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2014. According to ancient sources, the poet Oppianus was born and lived in this city, and numerous linen weaving workshops were found there.
Kozan Castle was built by the Assyrians and is strategically located on the historic road. Hoşkadem Mosque was commissioned in 1448 by Abdullah Hoşkadem, Mamluk Sultan of Egypt.
Last updated:
Photo: Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source The walls of Sis, capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, stretch along the steep ridge above the town. With its long line of walls, it is one of the largest castles in Türkiye, and there are views over the Çukurova plain from the top. Go in comfortable shoes and in the cooler hours.
View on mapAnavarza, in Dilekkaya village, was one of the capitals of Cilicia in the Roman period. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for its triumphal arch, colonnaded street, theatre, aqueducts, mosaics and the medieval castle on the rocky hill.
View on map
Photo: Gelebeksuleyman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A five-storey monastery carved into the steep cliffs on the east bank of the Göksu River, in Velicanlı Neighbourhood. It is dated to the 10th–11th centuries and is known as the "Sümela of Adana". It is hard to reach and the structure awaits conservation work.
View on map
Photo: Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source The reservoir near the town, with its green surroundings and pond views, is suitable for picnics and walks.
View on map
Photo: Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source The historic mosque in the town centre is one of the most important examples of the religious architectural heritage of Kozan from the Mamluk and Ottoman periods.
View on mapWhile you are in Kozan, you can also see the highlights of Adana province. These places are in other districts.
The famous kebab, also grilled over charcoal at Kozan's open-fire grills.
A local dish in which içli köfte and bulgur balls meet in a sour chickpea soup.
Lamb tripe stuffed with rice pilaf.
An icy starch dessert.
Designated as a Kozan dish following a competition organised by the Municipality and the City Council.
One of the dishes specific to Kozan, selected in a local dish competition.
One of the local dishes identified through a Kozan-specific local dish competition.
One of the distinctive dishes of Kozan cuisine, identified through the competition.
Recorded as a Kozan dish following a local dish competition.
One of the dessert varieties specific to Kozan, identified through a local dish competition.
Kozan (formerly known as Sis) was the capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia between 1186 and 1375. The castle, monastery and church ruins from this period form the district's most important cultural heritage.
The Kozanoğulları dynasty, which ruled the region between 1689 and 1865, gave the district its name. Traces of this period still live on in local traditions and place names.
Migrating to the plateaus in the summer months, when temperatures exceed 40 degrees, is a centuries-old tradition of the people of Kozan. This seasonal migration is an important part of the region's social life.
Kozan is one of the most populous districts of Adana, and its economy rests on agriculture, trade and services. Citrus, grape, cotton and grain are grown on the fertile plain. The district centre is the trading hub for the surrounding villages and towns. Kozan Dam provides irrigation and energy production. In recent years, with growing recognition of Kozan Castle, cultural tourism has also been developing.
Kozan is about 68 km from Adana city centre and is reached by road. The nearest airport is Çukurova International Airport, on the border of Tarsus district in Mersin. Regular bus and minibus services run from Adana's intercity bus terminal to Kozan. The district lies at the northern tip of the Çukurova plain, at the foot of the Taurus Mountains.
The highlights of Kozan are 7 places: Kozan Castle (Sis Castle), Anavarza Ancient City, Sin Monastery, Kozan Dam, Hoşkadem Mosque, Kozan Castle and Dağılcak Nature Park.
Adana Kebabı, Analı Kızlı Çorbası, Şırdan and Bici Bici are the standout flavours on Kozan's tables.
Kozan is known for Kozan Orange and the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia Heritage. Registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected designation of origin product.
Kozan is about 68 km from Adana city centre and is reached by road. The nearest airport is Çukurova International Airport, on the border of Tarsus district in Mersin. Regular bus and minibus services run from Adana's intercity bus terminal to Kozan. The district lies at the northern tip of the Çukurova plain, at the foot of the Taurus Mountains.
Suggested trip length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.