Photo: Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 12 places to visit in the Saimbeyli district of Adana: Çatak (Obruk) Plateau, Saimbeyli (Haçin) Castle and Zamantı River and rafting route. Plan your trip to Saimbeyli with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Saimbeyli is the least populous district of Adana Province. The district, formerly called Haçin, was renamed after Saim Bey, who liberated the district from the French occupation.
The historical remains of Saimbeyli go back to the Hittite period. The region, which remained under French occupation during the War of Independence, was liberated on 18 October 1920 by Captain Doğan and Kaymakam Saim Bey.
Saimbeyli was liberated from the French occupation on 18 October 1920 by Captain Doğan and Kaymakam Saim Bey, and was founded as a new district in 1922. The district’s history goes back to the Roman period, and it contains many monumental works from the Roman, Byzantine and Armenian periods. The former name of the district was Haçin; travellers recorded it in various forms including Hadchin, Hadjine, Hacın and Haçin.
Saimbeyli Castle is thought to have been used in the Hittite, Assyrian and Roman periods. From the castle and church ruins it is understood that the Armenians controlled the region in the Middle Ages. Saimbeyli is referred to as the end point of the road connecting Cilicia to Cappadocia, and its former name was Badimon.
By a decision of the Provincial Council that met on 30 December 1923, the name of Saim Bey of Kozan, who showed great distinction in the War of Independence, was given to the district. Saimbeyli Martyrs’ Cemetery: during the War of Independence, the tombs of 80 people who were martyred in the fighting to liberate Saimbeyli from the enemy are located here.
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Photo: Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A medieval castle on the rock above the town, dominating the valley with its steep position. The texture of the district spreading among the rocks is best seen from the castle area.
View on mapRemains of churches left by the Armenian community of the old town of Haçin reflect the district's many-layered past.
View on mapA castle built on the hill known by the name Kilise Tepe, in the valley where the Obruk and Kirkot streams meet. According to the Cultural Inventory record, it can be dated to the Middle Ages.
View on mapA monastery in the north-western slope of the district, with a rectangular plan and built of well-dressed cut stone.
View on mapThe remains of a hammam building in the old settlement area, to the east of the district.
View on mapRoman-period necropolis and tomb remains within the boundaries of Aksaağaç village.
View on mapA Roman-period settlement to the south of the district, west of the Şarşar area.
View on mapA plateau with arbours, fed by waterfalls flowing down the mountainside, and used for nature walks.
View on mapRivers around the district offer fast waters for rafting in the summer months; trips are organised through local companies.
View on mapA natural plateau within the boundaries of Saimbeyli district. Among ancient plane trees fed by small waterfalls flowing down the mountainside, it has a picnic area. There are magnificent mountain views and cold water springs.
View on mapThe Obruk Waterfall in Saimbeyli is listed in the Culture Portal as a place to visit as part of nature tourism.
View on mapWhile you are in Saimbeyli, you can also see the highlights of Adana province. These places are in other districts.
A traditional dish made by simmering cracked wheat and meat for hours and then pounding them together. It is the star dish at weddings and holiday feasts in the mountain villages of Saimbeyli.
A local soup prepared by adding a mixture of flour and yoghurt to chicken broth. It is the staple dish at winter tables in the mountain villages of the Taurus.
A traditional bread cooked on a griddle. It is an integral part of Saimbeyli's plateau culture and is eaten at breakfast with fresh butter and honey.
Tarhana, prepared and dried in the summer months, is the basic soup that never leaves the tables of Saimbeyli during its harsh winter climate.
Mentioned as a local dish among the famous foods of Çatak village, which belongs to Saimbeyli.
According to the municipality's history page, the district became important for its cherry orchards and plateaus.
For centuries, people from the lowland plains have migrated to the Saimbeyli plateaus in the summer. This seasonal migration is one of the cornerstones of the region's cultural identity.
The Yörük tradition, still kept alive in the mountain villages of Saimbeyli, bears the traces of nomadic livestock culture. Felt making and kilim weaving are important elements of this culture.
Saimbeyli is one of the living representatives of the folk music tradition of the Taurus. Türkü folk songs sung to the accompaniment of the bağlama are an important part of the region's oral cultural heritage.
The economy of Saimbeyli is largely based on agriculture, livestock farming and forestry. Small livestock farming and beekeeping come to the fore in the mountainous terrain, while grain and fruit are grown in the valleys. Forestry activities also contribute to the district's economy. The nature tourism potential of the Zamantı River has begun to be exploited in recent years.
Saimbeyli is about 165 km from Adana city centre and is reached by road. The nearest airport is Çukurova International Airport, on the boundary of the Tarsus district of Mersin. There are regular minibus services from Adana. As the district lies in the high parts of the Taurus Mountains, road conditions should be checked in the winter months.
The highlights of Saimbeyli are 12 places: Çatak (Obruk) Plateau, Saimbeyli (Haçin) Castle, Zamantı River and rafting route, Haçin church ruins, Çatak Plateau, Saimbeyli Castle, Obruk Waterfall, St James Monastery, Historic Bridges, Girls' Hammam, Aksaağaç Necropolis and Tomb, and Alibağ Settlement.
Keşkek, Arabaşı Soup, Bazlama and Tarhana Soup are the standout dishes on Saimbeyli's tables.
Saimbeyli is known for Mountain Honey and the Plateau Migration Tradition. Mountain honey obtained from the rich flora of the forested mountains is the region's most valuable natural product. It is produced using traditional beekeeping methods.
Saimbeyli is about 165 km from Adana city centre and is reached by road. The nearest airport is Çukurova International Airport, on the boundary of the Tarsus district of Mersin. There are regular minibus services from Adana. As the district lies in the high parts of the Taurus Mountains, road conditions should be checked in the winter months.
Suggested visit: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: May–October.