The history of Adana dates back approximately 3,000 years. Archaeological excavations in the region have revealed traces of human settlements extending to the Paleolithic Age. The Tepebağ Mound, where archaeologists discovered remains of a stone wall and a city center, was built during the Neolithic Age and is considered the oldest city in the Çukurova region. The name “Adana” is mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh, a piece of Sumerian literature; however, due to the vagueness of the geography in the text, it is uncertain whether the place referred to is today’s Adana.

According to Hittite rock inscriptions found in Hattusa (Boğazkale), Kizzuvatna was the first kingdom to govern Adana around 1335 BC under the protection of the Hittites. At that time, the city was known as “Uru Adaniya,” and its people were called “Danuna.” Between 1191 and 1189 BC, the collapse of the Hittite Empire led to western-origin invasions, resulting in the control of the plain passing into the hands of various small kingdoms. Following this period, the city became part of a Neo-Hittite kingdom called Hiyawa (or Kue). Later, it came under the rule of the Assyrians in the 9th century BC, the Persians in the 6th century BC, Alexander the Great in 333 BC, followed by the Seleucids, Cilician pirates, Roman commander Pompey, and eventually the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.

Adana’s history is closely tied to that of its neighboring city, Tarsus. Due to the shifting course of the Seyhan River, these two cities were often considered as one and their names changed over time. During the Roman era, Adana was relatively less significant, while Tarsus served as the regional metropolis. During the time of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, Adana was used as a prison for Cilician pirates. In later centuries, the city became a stop on the Roman military road leading east. After the division of the Roman Empire in 395 AD, the region became part of the Byzantine Empire and likely developed during the reign of Emperor Julian. With the construction of large bridges, roads, government buildings, irrigation systems, and nurseries, Adana and the broader Cilicia region evolved into one of the most important trade centers of the area. During the Cilician period, Ayas (now Yumurtalık) and Kozan (formerly Sis) were also major cities and administrative centers in the region.

Throughout its history, Adana has been ruled by the following civilizations:

  • Luwian Kingdom (c. 1900 BC)

  • Arzawa Kingdom (1500–1333 BC)

  • Hittite Empire (1900–1200 BC)

  • Assyrians (713–663 BC)

  • Persian Empire (550–333 BC)

  • Hellenistic Greek Civilization (333–323 BC)

  • Seleucid Empire (312–133 BC)

  • Principality of Cilicia (178–112 BC)

  • Roman Empire (112 BC – 395 AD)

  • Byzantine Empire (395–638 AD; 964–1071 AD)

  • Abbasids

  • Great Seljuk Empire

  • Mamluks

  • Ramazanoğlu Principality

  • Ottoman Empire

  • Republic of Turkey

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