Places to visit in Kozan

Since ancient times Kozan has always been an important center in the region. Geographically, it is located in the transition zone between the Upper Plain and the mountainous part. Due to these features, there are many historical and natural beauties that can be visited in the district.

When you go to Kozan, don't forget to try the liver kebab, which is famous throughout the region, and the natural lemon ice cream unique to the district.

Anavarza Castle and Ancient City: Anavarza Ancient City, was one of the two largest cities of ancient Cilicia and also was the capital of the region for a time.  Anavarza Ancient City and Anavarza Castle, which was built on a hill to protect this settlement, are among the first places to visit in Kozan. In the city, which is estimated to be 5 times the size of Ephesus and  ruins some of which are still waiting to be unearthed, the Arch of Triumph stands out among the artifacts that should be seen. In addition to the historical value of the castle, the view of the vast Çukurova and the Ceyhan River in the east fascinates those who see it. We recommend that you choose a suitable time other than noon to go up to the castle.

 

Kozan Castle: Kozan Castle, located on a hill overlooking the trade routes in Kozan District center, has an impressive view that sees the entire county. It is possible to reach the top of the castle, which has reached the present day in a very solid condition, by car. In addition to a monastery that is of great importance for Christianity, the dungeon where the famous epic hero Battal Gazi was imprisoned is also located here. You can enjoy the indescribable view while sipping the local menengiç coffee offered at the cafe run by the municipality.

 

Arıkan Mansion: The building, which is one of the important examples of traditional Turkish architecture, is located on the skirts of Kozan Castle, at a point that overlooks the district. The tradition of the south-facing house unique to Çukurova has been continued in this building as well. The ground floor of the building is made of stone, and the first and second floors are made of wood. The arched door of the building, whose garden is surrounded by high walls, catches the eye immediately. This building, which takes visitors back to the past with its balconies and rooms' furnishing style and details in furniture, was last restored in 2006. Formerly known as Yaverin Mansion, the building now serves as a cafe restaurant and boutique hotel. Tel: (0322) 515 09 99

 

Hoşkadem Mosque: The mosque, which was built by the Mamluk sultan Emir Abdullah Hoşkadem in 1148, has survived to the present day thanks to the dedication of the revenues of the Feke District during the Ottoman period and its regular maintenance. The mosque, which was built with cut stones on a rectangular plan, maintains its solidity even though cement and iron were not used in its construction. The mosque, which was known as Cami-i Kebir in the Ottoman period, is now known as the Great Mosque among the people. Most of its few windows are located on the east side. We definitely recommend you to see this mosque, which bears the traces of Mamluks and is felt to be different from Anatolian mosques in general style.

 

Old Kozan Houses: There are dozens of houses in Kozan that carry the best examples of traditional Turkish architecture. The effect of the hot climate of the region was especially effective in determining the materials used and the facades of the buildings. Again, the İbrik relief showing the importance of hospitality in Turkish culture, the decorations on the doors, and the balconies draw attention. Each building has a distinctive feature. The buildings are especially concentrated around the castle. Some of these houses have become particularly famous. Among these are the mansions where old and well-established families lived, such as Muhtar Hacı's Mansion, Gökçeliklerin Mansion, Kuyumcuoğlu's Mansion, Çamurdanların Mansion, Hayribey Mansion, Fermanoğlu Mansion, Hacı Ağa Mansion, Arıoğulları Mansion.

Dağilcak Recreation Area: Located on the Kozan-Feke road, 6 km from Kozan, Dağilcak Recreation Area is a very preferred recreation area by the local people. It is a place preferred by picnic and nature lovers with its lush green plane trees reaching the sky, impressive landscape, bridges over streams in the area where the water coming out of a strong spring flows as a stream. Here, all infrastructure facilities such as a camellia, fountain, prayer room, parking lot are available for picnics.

Kozan Dam and Boat Tour: It is a dam built for irrigation and electricity production on Kilgen Stream in the north of Kozan. There is a cafe run by the municipality on the part of the dam that faces the road. Here, while sipping your tea or coffee, you can relax in the magnificent dam view accompanied by pine trees and oleander flowers. You can visit the bays on the dam lake, especially in summer, with a boat tour that takes about 1 hour. The boat moves when it reaches the sufficient number of people, and the fee is around 15-20 TL per person. To find out the availability of the boat and to book a place, phone: 0530 119 09 02

 

Bucak Cennet Valley: In this paradise valley, which is true to its name (Cennet means Paradise in Turkish), where a mighty spring at the outlet of the Sumbas Stream emerges like a river, trees cover the sky and leave you alone with a thousand tones of green and the murmur of water. Trout facilities have been established around this very cold water. You can also buy local products such as Bucak orange and citrus jam, which are very famous in the region.

 

Historical Roman Bridge: The Bridge located in the east-west direction in the Kozan district center, used to connect Adana to Kozan. It is not known exactly when and by whom the bridge  was built, but  due to its architectural style it  is estimated to have been built during the Roman Empire. It is understood from the inscription on the bridge that it was repaired in 1776 during the Ottoman period.