Photo: Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 4 places to visit in the Tufanbeyli district of Adana: Şar (Komana) Ancient City, Tufanbeyli Plateaus and Zamantı River Valley. Plan your trip to Tufanbeyli with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Tufanbeyli is a district of Adana province.
Comona (Şar Village), within the boundaries of Tufanbeyli district, holds an important place in history. Şar Village, where the district’s most important historic remains are found, has remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Hittite periods. Comona, one of the most important centres of the Kizzuwatna Kingdom, was a religious state in the Hittite period.
According to the municipal website, the district’s settlement has very ancient roots. According to Wikipedia, Comona (Şar Village) holds an important place in history within the district’s boundaries.
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Komana, located in Şar about 20 km north of the district centre, was a sacred centre where religious ceremonies were held in the Hittite period; under the Romans it was known as Hierapolis. The Roman temple gate Ala Kapı and the Byzantine-period Kırık Kilise are the most impressive remains.
View on mapThe plateaus on the northern slopes of the Taurus Mountains offer the traditional life of herders who migrate in summer, and cool mountain air.
View on mapThe valley of the Zamantı, one of the headwater tributaries of the Seyhan, forms a deep, green corridor around the district.
View on mapA plateau north of Tufanbeyli district, reached by a 10 km stabilised road.
View on mapWhile you are in Tufanbeyli, you can also see the highlights of Adana province. These places are in other districts.
Lamb cooked on a griddle (sac) together with vegetables. This regional dish is the most loved flavour of Tufanbeyli's plateau tables. Cooking it with fresh butter gives the dish a distinctive aroma.
Keşkek, made by boiling and pounding wheat and meat for hours, is the traditional dish of wedding and festival tables in Tufanbeyli. It is served with heated butter poured over it.
This soup, made with small dough balls of flour, yoghurt and spices cooked in meat broth, is one of Tufanbeyli's traditional flavours that warm people on cold winter evenings.
Bazlama cooked on the griddle and gözleme filled with cheese, potato or herbs are the inseparable pair of Tufanbeyli's plateau breakfasts. Served with fresh butter and village cheese.
Festivals held every summer on Tufanbeyli's plateaus, with folk dance performances, regional music concerts and local product stalls, are the district's liveliest cultural events.
The tradition of migrating to the plateaus in summer to escape the heat of the plains has been maintained in Tufanbeyli for centuries. This seasonal migration is an important reflection of livestock culture and social solidarity.
Hand-knitted items, woollen socks and traditional weaving made by women in Tufanbeyli's villages keep the region's craft culture alive.
Tufanbeyli's economy is mainly based on agriculture and livestock farming. On high-altitude land, cereals, pulses and fruit are grown, while small livestock farming is one of the district's main livelihoods. Forestry activities also contribute to the economy. In recent years, rural tourism potential has begun to grow thanks to the promotion of Şar Ancient City and the district's natural beauty. Beekeeping is also an important source of income in the district.
Tufanbeyli is about 200 km from Adana city centre and is reached by road via the Feke–Saimbeyli route. The nearest airports are Kayseri Erkilet Airport and Çukurova International Airport on the Tarsus border. Regular minibus services run from the Adana intercity bus terminal to Tufanbeyli. Because of the winding roads through the Taurus Mountains, travel during daylight hours is recommended.
The 4 highlights of Tufanbeyli are: Şar (Komana) Ancient City, Tufanbeyli Plateaus, Zamantı River Valley and Tufanbeyli-Kürebeli Plateau.
Sac Kavurma, Keşkek, Topalak Çorbası and Bazlama ve Gözleme are the standout flavours on Tufanbeyli's tables.
Tufanbeyli is known for Tufanbeyli Kuru Fasulyesi and its Plateau Festivals. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication (mahreç işareti).
Tufanbeyli is about 200 km from Adana city centre and is reached by road via the Feke–Saimbeyli route. The nearest airports are Kayseri Erkilet Airport and Çukurova International Airport on the Tarsus border. Regular minibus services run from the Adana intercity bus terminal to Tufanbeyli. Because of the winding roads through the Taurus Mountains, travel during daylight hours is recommended.
Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: May–October.