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{{Short description|Fertile Plain in Turkey}}
{{About|a region in Turkey|the district municipality in Adana|Çukurova, Adana}}
{{About|a plain in Turkey|the district municipality in Adana|Çukurova, Adana}}
{{Infobox settlement
], ], ] and ] provinces.]]
<!--See Template:Infobox Settlement for additional fields that may be available-->
'''Çukurova''' ({{IPA|tr|tʃuˈkuɾova}}) or the '''Cilician Plain''' (''Cilicia Pedias'' in antiquity), is a large fertile plain in the ] region of southern ]. The plain covers the easternmost areas of ], southern and central ], western ] and northwestern ].
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!-- Basic info ---------------->
|official_name = Çukurova
|nickname =
|settlement_type = Region
<!-- images and maps ----------->
|image_map = Cukurova.png
|mapsize = 250px
|map_caption = Location of Çukurova within Turkey
<!-- pushpin map ---------------->
|pushpin_map =
|pushpin_label_position =
|pushpin_map_caption =
|coordinates = {{coord|36|52|N|35|29|E|region:TR|display=inline,title}}
<!-- Location ------------------>
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = {{flagicon|Turkey}} Turkey
|parts_type = ]
|parts_style = para
|p1= ]
|p2= ]
|p3= ]
|p4= ]
| subdivision_type1 = Largest city
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_name1 = ]
| subdivision_name2 =
| subdivision_name3 =
<!-- Area --------------------->
|area_magnitude =
|unit_pref = <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired-->
|area_footnotes =
|area_total_km2 = 38585.16
|area_total_sq_mi =


== Etymology ==
<!-- Population ----------------------->
''Çukurova'' is a ] of the ] words {{lang|tr|çukur}} "hollow, ]" and {{lang|tr|ova}} "]s". The oldest recorded use of the name in Turkish can be traced back to ]'s late 15th century work ''{{Interlanguage link|Tevârîh-i Âl-i Osman|lt=Tevârîh-i Âl-i Osman|tr|Tevârîh-i Âl-i Osman|WD=}}''.{{cn |date=December 2023}}
|population_as_of = 2015
|population_footnotes =<ref>{{cite web |url=https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=95&locale=tr |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-10-14 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204010758/https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=95&locale=tr |archivedate=2016-02-04 |df= }}</ref>
|population_note =
|population_total = 5,974,768
|population_density_km2 = 154.846


==History==
<!-- General information --------------->
] near the village of Sirkeli (]), a late Hittite rock relief reminds of the presence of the Hittites in Çukurova (Cilician Plain). It shows the ] ] (1290–1272 BC)]]
|timezone=]
|utc_offset=+2
|timezone_DST=]
|utc_offset_DST=+3


The region's recorded history dates back over 6,000 years. During the ], the region was known as ]. As an area located between the native ] lands of ] and the native ] lands of the ], it was a mixed Luwian-Hurrian region.<ref>{{cite book |last=van den Hout |first=Theo |date=2007 |editor-last=Sanders |editor-first=Seth |title=Margins of Writing, Origins of Cultures (OIS 2 – second printing) |pages=221–262 |chapter=Institutions, Vernaculars, Publics: The Case of Second-Millennium Anatolia}}</ref> Hence, these two ]s, ] and ] were prevalent in Kizzuwatna during the Bronze Age. The exact time of the Hittite conquest of Kizzuwatna is unknown but the scholars think that the region was incorporated into the ] even before the reign of ].<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43075426|title=The History of Kizzuwatna and the Date of the Šunaššura Treaty|date=1986|page=425|journal=Orientalia|volume=55|first1=Richard|last1=Beal|issue=4 |jstor=43075426 }}</ref> Kizzuwatna plain was also known as ''Adaniya'' at the time.
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
|postal_code_type = Postal code prefixes
|postal_code = 33xxx, 01xxx, 80xxx, 31xxx
|area_code = 324, 322, 328, 326
}}


Kizzuwatnan religion was similar to ] as ] and ] form the main couple of gods in both ].<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/anatv_1013-9559_2001_act_13_1_973|title=Kizzuwatna and Tarẖuntašša: Their Historical Evolution and Interactions with Hatti|date=2001|page=48|journal= La Cilicie: Espaces et pouvoirs locaux (IIe millénaire av. J.-C. – IVe siècle ap. J.-C.).|volume=13|first1=Anna Margherita|last1=Jasink}}</ref>
'''Çukurova''' ({{IPA-tr|tʃukuɾova}}), alternatively known as ], is a geo-cultural region in south-central Turkey, covering the provinces of ], ], ] and ].{{citation needed|date=February 2013}} With a population of almost 6 million, it is one of the largest population concentrations in Turkey.
In the late 1270s BC ] ]'s marriage to the Kizzuwatna priestess ] strengthened the Hurrian influence in the region<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/aofo-2022-0011/html|title=Hurrian and Luwian Elements in the Kizzuwatna Religious Texts|page=148|journal=Altorientalische Forschungen|volume=49|first1=Susanne|last1=Görke|year=2022 |doi=10.1515/aofo-2022-0011 |s2cid=249474000 |doi-access=free}}</ref> and also increased the importance of the region among the provinces of the Hittite Empire.
], Šunaššura, Eḫeya, Palliya and Padditaššu are the names of the Kizzuwatna kings that can be found in Hittite tablets.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/aofo-2022-0011/html|title=Hurrian and Luwian Elements in the Kizzuwatna Religious Texts|page=148|journal=Altorientalische Forschungen|volume=49|first1=Susanne|last1=Görke|year=2022 |doi=10.1515/aofo-2022-0011 |s2cid=249474000 |doi-access=free}}</ref> After the collapse of the Hittite Empire, a ] called ] emerged in the region.


] presence in ] dates back to the first century BC, when under ], the ] briefly expanded and conquered a vast region in the ]. In 83 BC, the ] aristocracy of ] Syria, weakened by a bloody civil war, offered their allegiance to the ambitious Armenian king.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hyeetch.nareg.com.au/armenians/prominent_p5.html|title=King Tigran II – The Great|last=Hye Etch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221235257/http://www.hyeetch.nareg.com.au/armenians/prominent_p5.html|archive-date=21 February 2007|access-date=2007-01-17}}</ref> During the Roman and early Byzantine Empires, the capital of the ] was the important seaport of ], where Mark Antony met Cleopatra, and birthplace of ] and ], among other important missionaries.
Çukurova in Turkish means roughly "Low Plain", {{lang|tr|''çukur''}} for "hollow, ]", {{lang|tr|''ova''}} for "]s". The region starts from ] at the west, extending east along the Mediterranean, stretching as far north as ], wrapping around ], turning south at ] and finally terminating at ] on the border of ]. The core area is Çukurova plain (formerly Cilicia Pedias), covering the area of ] on the west, ] on the north, ] on the east and the Mediterranean on the south. ] is the business and cultural center of Çukurova.


The region became an early battleground between Muslim and Christian forces during the early ], and was conquered in the 8th century and remained part of the ] until ]. Shortly after, in 1080, ] founded the ]. Throughout the Armenian period, the region was ruled by members of the royal Armenian ].
Most of the Çukurova region is a large stretch of flat, fertile land which is among the most agriculturally productive areas of the world. Throughout history, Çukurova was a gateway from Europe to the Middle East and, being the shortest access point to the Mediterranean from the northern Middle East and Central Asia, it is a transportation hub, with its two major seaports and oil terminal.


When the ] captured the region in the 12th century, many ], including ] clans of ], ] and ] settled in the region's northern parts under the direction of ]. Those who preserved the nomadic lifestyle were named ]s. As of the 18th century, the ] pursued a policy aimed at settling these populations in permanent settlements; the process was more or less complete in the 19th century, although it involved many difficulties and much tension especially for the ].
==History==
The region's recorded history dates back over 6,000 years. Armenian presence in Cilicia dates back to the first century BC, when under ], the Kingdom of Armenia expanded and conquered a vast region in the ]. In 83 BC, the ] aristocracy of ] Syria, weakened by a bloody civil war, offered their allegiance to the ambitious Armenian king.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hyeetch.nareg.com.au/armenians/prominent_p5.html|title=King Tigran II – The Great|last=Hye Etch|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221235257/http://www.hyeetch.nareg.com.au/armenians/prominent_p5.html|archive-date=21 February 2007|dead-url=|access-date=2007-01-17}}</ref> During the Roman and early Byzantine Empires, the capital of ] province was the important seaport of ], where Mark Antony met Cleopatra, and birthplace of Paul the Apostle and Theodore of Tarsus, among other important missionaries.

The region became an early battleground between Muslim and Christian forces, and was conquered in the 8th century and remained part of the ] until reconquered by Byzantine forces in 962. Shortly after, in 1080, ] founded the ].
] is similar to today's Çukurova]]

When ] captured the region in the 12th century, many ], including ] clans of ], ] and ] settled in the regio's northern parts under the direction of ]. Those who preserved the nomadic lifestyle were named ]s. As of the 18th century, the ] pursued a policy aimed at settling these populations in permanent settlements; the process was more or less complete in the 19th century, although it involved many difficulties and much tension and drama.


Between the 1832 ] leaving the territorial gains acquired by ] to his administration till the 1841 ] convened to settle the question, Çukurova remained under the rule of the ]. Although the period of ]ian rule, motivated by ]'s perennial need, timber for the navy, was relatively short, it left important marks in such areas as the introduction of industrial-scale cotton production and new arrivals into the population tissue of the region. Cottonpickers of Çukurova still start their workday with prayers for the memory of İbrahim Pasha, and the locally influent ] family, with notable descendants till our day, including Turkey's foreign minister during the Second World War, ], rose to notability by acting as middlemen for the Pasha. Among other families still prominent today and that had risen with the cotton boom, ], ], Kerimoğlu, ], ] families can be cited. Between the 1832 ] leaving the territorial gains acquired by ] to his administration till the 1841 ] convened to settle the question, Çukurova remained under the rule of the ]. Although the period of ]ian rule, motivated by ]'s perennial need, timber for the navy, was relatively short, it left important marks in such areas as the introduction of industrial-scale cotton production and new arrivals into the population tissue of the region. Cottonpickers of Çukurova still start their workday with prayers for the memory of İbrahim Pasha, and the locally influent ] family, with notable descendants till our day, including Turkey's foreign minister during the Second World War, ], rose to notability by acting as middlemen for the Pasha. Among other families still prominent today and that had risen with the cotton boom, ], ], Kerimoğlu, ], ] families can be cited.


In 1869, the ] (Adana Province) was incorporated after splitting up ] Province.<ref name="Adana Vilayeti-6">Tahir Sezen "Osmanlı yer adları" sf. 6, T.C. Başbakanlık Devlet Arşivleri Genel Müdürlüğü (2006).</ref> The borders of the Vilayet of Adana are similar to today's Çukurova region. In 1869, the ] (Adana Province) was incorporated after splitting up ] Province.<ref name="Adana Vilayeti-6">Tahir Sezen "Osmanlı yer adları" sf. 6, T.C. Başbakanlık Devlet Arşivleri Genel Müdürlüğü (2006).</ref> The borders of the Vilayet of Adana are similar to today's Çukurova region. Throughout the last remaining years of Ottoman rule, the region served as an important base for the ].


The development of ] as a major port also began during this period. As a result, the cities of the region became prominent centers of trade, farming and industry. Today, ] is the 5th largest city of Turkey, and a vital center of many agricultural products such as cotton. The development of ] as a major port also began during this period. As a result, the cities of the region became prominent centers of trade, farming and industry. Today, ] is the 5th largest city of ], and a vital center of many agricultural products such as cotton.


==Geography== ==Geography==
Historically, the region was known as ] by the ] and it was divided into two parts, Uru Adaniya (flat Cilicia) and western Cilicia (Tarza), which was also known as the mountainous Cilicia. The gates which allow passage from Çukurova into the Central ]n Plateau through the ], the ] of antiquity, is called ] today. ] which connects the region to the southeast (to the modern district of ] in ]) and ] constitute other important points of passage. The region is included in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, and it borders Central Anatolia (historical ]) to the north, and Southeastern Anatolia to the east. Historically, the region was known as ] by the ] and it was divided into two parts, Uru Adaniya (flat Cilicia) and western Cilicia (Tarza), which was also known as the mountainous Cilicia. The gates which allow passage from Çukurova into the Central ]n Plateau through the ], the ] of antiquity, is called ] today. ] which connects the region to the southeast (to the modern district of ] in ]) and ] constitute other important points of passage. The region is included in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, and it borders Central Anatolia (historical ]) to the north, and Southeastern Anatolia to the east.


===Climate=== === Natural resources ===
==== Agriculture ====
The climate of Çukurova shows significant differences at the mountains and the lower plains. At the lower plains, the climate reflects a typical ]; summers are hot and dry, winters are warm and rainy. In the coldest month (January), the average temperature is 9&nbsp;°C, and in the warmest month (August), the average temperature is 28&nbsp;°C. Mountains of Çukurova have an inland climate with snowy winters. The average annual precipitation in the region is 647mm and the average number of rainy days in a year is 76. ] and surrounding areas have the highest average temperature in Çukurova. Mersin also has a high annual precipitation (1096mm) and 85 rainy days in a year.

===Geology===
The Mountains of Çukurova are formed from ancient limestones, ], marlstone and similar materials. The lower plain is the largest ] in Turkey. Expansion of limestone formations and fourth era alluvials brought by the rivers ] and ], formed the plains of the region over the course of time.

], Akyayan, Salt Lake, Seven lakes at Aladağ, and Karstik Dipsiz lake near ] are the lakes of the region. The reservoirs in the region are Seyhan, Çatalan, Yedigöze, Kozan and Mehmetli.

The major rivers in Çukurova are ], ], ], ] and ].

*] emerges from the confluence of Zamantı and Göksu rivers which originate from ] and flows into the Gulf of Mersin. The river is 560&nbsp;km long.
*] emerges from the confluence of Aksu and Hurman rivers and flows into Cape Hürmüz at the ]. It is 509&nbsp;km long and it forms the Akyayan, Akyatan and Kakarat lakes before flowing into the Mediterranean.
*] originates from the ] and flows into the Mediterranean, south of ].
*] river originates from the ] and flows into the Mediterranean, 16&nbsp;km southeast of ]. It forms the delta of Göksu, including Akgöl Lake and Paradeniz Lagoon.
*] rises in the great springs of ] on the side of the ] and it runs due north, parallel with the coast and flows into the Mediterranean just south of the little port of ].

==Governance==
The Çukurova region is split into four administrative provinces: ], ], ] and ]. Each province is governed by the Central Government in ] through an appointed Provincial Governor. Provinces are then divided into districts governed by the District Governors who are under the Provincial Governors.

Since all four provinces are economically and geographically inter-dependent, with the current governing structure, regional planning is limited within provinces and does not cover all of Çukurova. This creates conflict on creating regional investment plans especially between Adana and Mersin provinces. Recently, co-operation among the cities in Çukurova is improving. Municipalities in Çukurova form a union, Çukurova Municipalities Union, to conduct projects that will benefit the whole region. Community and business organizations also form regional unions. Tourism associations of the cities conduct common promotions to attract tourists to the region.

===Divisions===

====Provinces and districts====

Provinces & Districts in Çukurova (from West to East):
*''']''': ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] (composed of ], ] ], ]), ], ]
*''']''': ] (composed of ], ], ], ], ]), ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
*''']''': ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
*''']''': ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]

====Municipalities====
Locally elected municipal governments take care of urban planning and infrastructure. Greater municipality law came into effect in 1989 to bring better management to large urban areas. In Çukurova, the cities of ] and ] are governed by Greater municipalities. In the city of ], there are five district municipalities and in the city of ], there are four district municipalities.

In Hatay and Osmaniye Provinces in addition to district municipalities there are town (belde) municipalities in communities with a population over 2,000. (In Mersin and Adana Provinces such town municipalities were abolished in 2014.) Communities that have less than 2,000 people are governed by Village mukhtar with the support from State Rural Services (Köy Hizmetleri). See ] for a list of all municipalities.

==Economy==
Çukurova is well known for the vast fertile land and highly productive agriculture. The region is also industrialized; ], ] and ] host numerous plants. ] and ] seaports provide transportation of goods manufactured in Central, South and Southeast Anatolia. ] is becoming an Energy Hub, hosting oil, natural gas terminals as well as refineries and shipbuilders.

===Natural resources===

''Agriculture''


The Çukurova plain has some of the most fertile soil in the world in which 3 harvests can be taken each year. The region has the second richest flora in the world and it is the producer of all agricultural products of Turkey except hazelnut and tobacco. Çukurova leads Turkey in soy, peanuts and corn harvest and is a major producer of fruits and vegetables. Half of Turkey's citrus export is from Çukurova. ] is the only sub-tropical area of Turkey where bananas, mango, kiwi and other sub-tropical produce can be harvested. The Çukurova plain has some of the most fertile soil in the world in which 3 harvests can be taken each year. The region has the second richest flora in the world and it is the producer of all agricultural products of Turkey except hazelnut and tobacco. Çukurova leads Turkey in soy, peanuts and corn harvest and is a major producer of fruits and vegetables. Half of Turkey's citrus export is from Çukurova. ] is the only sub-tropical area of Turkey where bananas, mango, kiwi and other sub-tropical produce can be harvested.


Çukurova is the second largest honey producer in Turkey after the ]&ndash;] region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.assale.net/ari/turkiye-de-aricilik | title = Türkiye'de Arıcılık |author=|publisher=Assale | accessdate=2009}}</ref> ], ], ] and ] are some of the towns in the region where fishing is the major source of income. Gray mullet, red mullet, sea bass, lagos, calamari and gilt-head bream are some of the most popular fish in the region. There are ] farms in Akyatan, Akyağan, ] lakes and at Seyhan Reservoir. While not as common as other forms of agriculture, dairy and livestock are also produced throughout the region. Çukurova is the second largest honey producer in Turkey after the ]&ndash;] region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.assale.net/ari/turkiye-de-aricilik | title = Türkiye'de Arıcılık |publisher=Assale | access-date=June 1, 2009}}</ref> ], ], ] and ] are some of the towns in the region where fishing is the major source of income. Gray mullet, red mullet, sea bass, lagos, calamari and gilt-head bream are some of the most popular fish in the region. There are ] farms in Akyatan, Akyağan, ] lakes and at Seyhan Reservoir. While not as common as other forms of agriculture, dairy and livestock are also produced throughout the region.


''Mining'' ==== Mining ====


*] and ]: ]-Horzum seam is the major source. *] and ]: ]-Horzum seam is the major source.
*] is found around ]. *] is found around ].
*] resources are around ] and ]. *] resources are around ] and ].
Line 135: Line 46:
*] mines are mostly in ]. *] mines are mostly in ].
*] reserves are very rich in Çukurova. The region is home to four lime manufacturing plants. *] reserves are very rich in Çukurova. The region is home to four lime manufacturing plants.
*] resources are the richest in Turkey. 14% of country's reserves are in Çukurova. *] resources are the richest in Turkey. 14% of the country's reserves are in Çukurova.

===Manufacturing===

Çukurova is one of the first industrialized regions of Turkey. With the improvements in agriculture and the spike of agricultural yield, agriculture-based industries are built in large numbers. Today, the manufacturing industry is mainly concentrated around ], ] and ]. Textile, leather tanning and food processing plants are plentiful. İsdemir is a large steel plant located in ]. Temsa is one of the largest manufacturing companies in the region and the only automotive OEM, employing more than 2500. ] and Çukurova Holding are among the largest Turkish industrial conglomerates, both founded in the Çukurova region and still operating numerous manufacturing companies in ] and ].

The petrochemical industry is rapidly developing in the region with the investments around the Ceyhan Oil Terminal. Petroleum refineries are being built in the area. ] is also expected to host the shipbuilding industry.

===Commerce===
] is the commercial center of the region where many of the public and private institutions have their regional offices. ] and ] are also home to regional offices of public institutions. Many industry fairs and congresses are held in the region at venues such as the TÜYAP Congress and Exhibition Center in ] and the Mersin Congress Center.

] is the logistics center of the region, hosting numerous logistics companies.

'''Mersin Seaport''' is the third largest seaport in Turkey, after ] and ]. There are 45 piers in the port. The total area of the port is 785 square kilometres (194,000 acres), and the capacity is 6,000 ships per year.

'''İskenderun Seaport''' is used mostly for transfers to Middle East and Southeastern Turkey.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oib.gov.tr/portfoy/tcdd_iskenderun.htm | title = İskenderun Port Authority |author=|publisher=Republic of Turkey Privatization Administration | accessdate=2009}}</ref>

'''Ceyhan Oil Terminal''' is a marine transport terminal for the ] (the "BTC"), the ], the planned ] and the Ceyhan-Red Sea pipelines. Ceyhan will also be a natural gas terminal for a planned pipeline to be constructed parallel to the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline, and for a planned extension of the ] Gas Pipeline from Samsun to Ceyhan.

] Oil Terminal is a marine transport terminal for Batman-Dörtyol oil pipeline which started operating in 1967 to market ] oil. The pipeline is 511&nbsp;km long and has an annual capacity of 3.5 million tons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.botas.gov.tr/index.asp | title = Batman-Dörtyol Petrol Boru Hattı (Turkish) |author=|publisher=BOTAŞ | accessdate=2009}}</ref>

===Tourism===
], Erdemli district of Mersin Province)]]
While the region has a long coastline, international tourism is not at the level of the neighboring ]. There are a small number of hotels between ] and ] that attracts tourists. Çukurova Tourism is mostly cottage tourism serving the Çukurova locals as well as residents of ], ] and surrounding areas. Between ] and ], high-rise and low-rise cottages line the coast, leaving almost no vacant land. The coastline from ] to ] is mostly farmland. This area is zoned for resort tourism and is expected to have a rapid development within the next 20 years. ] and ] coasts are home to cottages with a bird conservatory between the two areas. Arsuz is a seaside resort that is mostly frequented by ] and ] residents.

Plateaus on the Taurus mountains are cooler escapes for the locals who wants to chill out from hot and humid summers of the lower plains. Gözne and ] (Namrun) in ], Tekir, Bürücek and Kızıldağ in ], ] in ] and Soğukoluk in ] are the popular high plain resorts of Çukurova which are often crowded in summer. There are a few hotels and camping sites in the Tekir plateau.

Lying at a crossroads of three major religions, namely ], ] and ], the region is home to numerous landmarks that are important for people of faith. Tarsus is the birthplace of ], who returned to the city after his conversion. The city was a stronghold of Christians after his death. Ashab-ı Kehf cavern, one of the locations claimed to be the resting place of the legendary ], holy to Christians and Muslims, is located north of Tarsus. ] is another destination for the spiritual world, where the followers of ] were first called Christians. It is the home of Saint Peter, one of the 12 saints of Jesus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D313E603BF9486D4371DB5239F8263FFA15F | title = Hatay |author=|publisher=Ministry of Culture and Tourism| accessdate=2009}}</ref>

The region is a popular destination for ]. Hamamat Thermal Spring, located on midway from ] to ], has a very high sulphur ratio, making it the second in the world after a thermal spring in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.termalturizm.info/archives/40 | title = Hatay Hamamat Kaplıcası (Turkish)|author=|publisher=Kaplıca ve Termal Turizm | accessdate=2009}}</ref> It is the largest spa in the region and attracts many ]ns due to proximity. Haruniye Thermal Spring is located on the banks of the ] near ] town and has a serene environment. Thermal springs are a hot spot for people with rheumatism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.termalturizm.info/archives/44 | title = Haruniye Kaplıcaları (Turkish) |author=|publisher=Kaplıca ve Termal Turizm | accessdate=2009}}</ref> Kurttepe, Alihocalı and Ilıca ], all located in ], are popular for toxic cleansing. Ottoman Palace Thermal Resort & Spa in ] is one of Turkey's top resorts for revitalization.

==Population==
] Amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.]]

Çukurova is heavily populated due to its abundant resources, climate and plain geography. The population of Çukurova as of December 31, 2015 is 5,974,768.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=95&locale=tr |title=2015 Population of Çukurova |author= |publisher=Statistics Institute of Turkey |accessdate=January 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204010758/https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=95&locale=tr |archivedate=2016-02-04 |df= }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
! valign=bottom | Province
! valign=bottom | Population
|-
| ]
| 2,183,167
|-
| ]
| 1,745,221
|-
| ]
| 1,533,507
|-
| ]
| 512,873
|-
| '''Total'''
| '''5,974,768'''
|}

Hatay is the most rural province of Çukurova and also Hatay is the only province that the rural population is rising and the urban population is declining. The major reason is the mountainous geography of Hatay as well as the religiously and ethnically diverse culture. Hatay joined Turkey in 1939, thus did not face the population exchanges of the 1920. The province has many villages inhabited by Christians as well as the only remaining ethnic ] village of Turkey, ]. ] is the most urbanized province, with most of the population centered in the city of ]. ] has a larger rural population than ], owing to its long and narrow stretch of flat land in between the ] and the Mediterranean.

===Urban areas===
Settlements are well spread to all parts of Çukurova. ] and ] are the largest cities in Çukurova and together with ] and ] form the ], which is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Turkey with a population of 3 million. The ] is home to half of the residents of Çukurova. Below is a ] in Çukurova with population over 50,000.

] River flowing through ]]]
] in Adana]]
{| class="wikitable"
! valign=bottom | City
! valign=bottom | Population
|-
| ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rapor.tuik.gov.tr/reports/rwservlet?adnksdb2&ENVID=adnksdb2Env&report=wa_belediye10sonrasi.RDF&p_il1=1&p_kod=3&p_yil=2011&p_dil=1&desformat=html | title = 2011 Population of Towns in Adana Province|author=|publisher=Statistics Institute of Turkey | accessdate=2012}}</ref>
| 1,617,284
|-
| ] <ref>{{cite web |url=http://rapor.tuik.gov.tr/reports/rwservlet?adnksdb2&ENVID=adnksdb2Env&report=wa_belediye10sonrasi.RDF&p_il1=33&p_kod=3&p_yil=2011&p_dil=1&desformat=html | title = 2011 Population of Towns in Mersin Province|author=|publisher=Statistics Institute of Turkey | accessdate=2012}}</ref>
| 859,680
|-
| ]
| 241,876
|-
| ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rapor.tuik.gov.tr/reports/rwservlet?adnksdb2&ENVID=adnksdb2Env&report=wa_belediye10sonrasi.RDF&p_il1=31&p_kod=3&p_yil=2011&p_dil=1&desformat=html | title = 2011 Population of Towns in Hatay Province|author=|publisher=Statistics Institute of Turkey | accessdate=2012}}</ref>
| 213,296
|-
| ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rapor.tuik.gov.tr/reports/rwservlet?adnksdb2&ENVID=adnksdb2Env&report=wa_belediye10sonrasi.RDF&p_il1=80&p_kod=3&p_yil=2011&p_dil=1&desformat=html | title = 2011 Population of Towns in Osmaniye Province|author=|publisher=Statistics Institute of Turkey | accessdate=2012}}</ref>
| 204,057
|-
| ]
| 184,593
|-
| ]
| 106,487
|-
| ]
| 82,110
|-
| ]
| 78,587
|-
| ]
| 72,888
|-
| ]
| 72,769
|-
| ]
| 62,360
|-
| ]
| 54,818
|}

==Places of interest==

===Ancient sites===
]
<!-- Deleted image removed: ], Ruin of Şar, Amphitheater]] -->

'''Kizkalesi (Maiden Castle)''', a fort on a small island across Kızkalesi township, was built during the early 12th century by Armenian kings of the Rubeniyan dynasty, to defend the city of Korykos (today Kızkalesi).

'''Heaven & Hell''', situated on a large hill north of Narlıkuyu, consists of the ] result from assoil of ]s for thousands of years. Natural phenomena of the ]s is named 'Hell & Heaven' because of the exotic effects on people. From an ancient path, 260 meter long mythological giant Typhon's cave can be accessible.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cuktob.org.tr/tanitim_detay_eng.asp?TntAKEId=38| title = Heaven & Hell |author=|publisher= ÇUKTOB| accessdate=2009}}</ref>

The ancient Roman town of ]-Pompeiopolis, near the city of ].

'''Yılanlı Kale (Castle of Serpents)''', an 11th-century crusader castle built on a historical road connecting Taurus mountains to the city of Antakya. Castle has 8 round towers, and there ıs a military guardhouse and a church in the castle. Castle is located 5&nbsp;km. west of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cuktob.org.tr/tanitim_detay_eng.asp?TntAKEId=53| title = Yılanlı Kale |author=|publisher= ÇUKTOB| accessdate=2009}}</ref>

] Castle was built in the 3rd century and served as the center of the ancient metropolis of Anavarza. The city was built on a hill and had a strategic importance, controlling the Çukurova plain. Main castle and the city walls are remains of the city. City wall is 1500m. long and 8-10m. high and there are 4 entrances to the city. Castle is located 80&nbsp;km. northeast of ].

'''Şar (Comona)''', ancient city located in northernmost Çukurova, some 200&nbsp;km. north of ], near ]. It is a historical center of ]. Remaining structures today are, the amphitheatre built during ] period, ruins of a church from ] and rock works from ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adana.gov.tr/?sayfa=10&alt=turizm| title = Adana Governship (Turkish)|author=|publisher= | accessdate=}}</ref>

'''Church of St. Peter''' in ], was converted into a church while it was a cave on the slopes of Habibi Neccar mountain. The church is known as first Christians' traditional meeting place. The church was declared as "Place of Pilgrimage" for Christians by Pope IV Paul in 1963, and since then special ceremony is held on 29 June of each year.

'''St. Simeon Monastery''', a 6th-century giant structure built on a desolate hill 18&nbsp;km south of Antakya. The most striking features of this monastery are cisterns, storage compartment and the walls. It is believed that St. Simeon lived here for 45 years on a 20-meter stone column.


===Parks and conservation areas=== ===Parks and conservation areas===
] is a large wildlife refuge which acts as a stopover for migratory birds voyaging from Africa to Europe. The wildlife refuge has a {{convert|14700|ha|adj=on}} area made up of forests, lagoon, marsh, sandy and reedy lands. Akyatan lake is a natural wonder with endemic plants and endangered bird species living in it together with other species of plants and animals. 250 species of birds are observed during a study in 1990. The conservation area is located 30&nbsp;km south of ], near Tuzla.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cuktob.org.tr/tanitim_detay.asp?TntAKId=60 | title = Akyatan Bird Sanctuary|author=|publisher=Çukurova Touristic Hoteliers Association | accessdate=2009}}</ref> ] is a large wildlife refuge which acts as a stopover for migratory birds voyaging from Africa to Europe. The wildlife refuge has a {{convert|14700|ha|adj=on}} area made up of forests, lagoon, marsh, sandy and reedy lands. Akyatan lake is a natural wonder with endemic plants and endangered bird species living in it together with other species of plants and animals. 250 species of birds are observed during a study in 1990. The conservation area is located 30&nbsp;km south of ], near Tuzla.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gezily.com/adana-gezi-rehberi|title=Adana gezi rehberi|publisher=Gezily|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref>


'''Yumurtalık Nature Reserve''' covers an area of 16,430 hectares within the Seyhan-Ceyhan delta, with its lakes, lagoons and wide collection of plant and animal species. The area is an important location for many species of migrating birds, the number gets higher during the winters when the lakes become a shelter when other lakes further north freeze.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tourism.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D3137EE1F1486EE5030E4F81ED62E0BCB915 | title = Yumurtalık Nature Reserve|author=|publisher=Ministry of Culture and Tourism | accessdate=2009}}</ref> ] covers an area of 16,430 hectares within the Seyhan-Ceyhan delta, with its lakes, lagoons and wide collection of plant and animal species. The area is an important location for many species of migrating birds, the number gets higher during the winters when the lakes become a shelter when other lakes further north freeze.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourism.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D3137EE1F1486EE5030E4F81ED62E0BCB915|title=Yumurtalık Nature Reserve|publisher=Ministry of Culture and Tourism|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref>

'''Aladağlar National Park''', located north of ], is a huge park of around 55,000 hectares, the summit of Demirkazik at 3756m is the highest point in the middle Taurus mountain range. There is a huge range of flora and fauna, and visitors may fish in the streams full of trout. Wildlife includes wild goats, bears, lynx and sable. The most common species of plant life is black pine and cluster pine trees, with some cedar dotted between, and fir trees in the northern areas with higher humidity. The Alpine region, from the upper borders of the forest, has pastures with rocky areas and little variety of plant life because of the high altitude and slope.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D3137EE1F1486EE5030E8020F3B0746F34B3 | title = Aladağlar National Park|author=|publisher=Ministry of Culture and Tourism | accessdate=2009}}</ref>


] located on the west bank of ] in ] Province. The park include the Karatepe ] fortress and an open-air museum. ] located on the west bank of ] in ] Province. The park include the Karatepe ] fortress and an open-air museum.


'''Tekköz-Kengerlidüz Nature Reserve''', located 30&nbsp;km north of ], is known for having an ecosystem different from the Mediterranean. The main species of trees around Kengerliduz are beech, oak and fir, and around Tekkoz are hornbeam, ash, beach, black pine and silver birch. The main animal species in the area are wild goat, roe deer, bear, hyena, wild cat, wagtail, wolf, jackal and fox.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D3137EE1F1486EE5030E91C5B747978912DF | title = Tekkoz-Kengerlidüz Nature Reserve |author=|publisher=Ministry of Culture and Tourism | accessdate=2009}}</ref> '''Tekköz-Kengerlidüz Nature Reserve''', located 30&nbsp;km north of ], is known for having an ecosystem different from the Mediterranean. The main species of trees around Kengerliduz are beech, oak and fir, and around Tekkoz are hornbeam, ash, beach, black pine and silver birch. The main animal species in the area are wild goat, roe deer, bear, hyena, wild cat, wagtail, wolf, jackal and fox.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D3137EE1F1486EE5030E91C5B747978912DF|title=Tekkoz-Kengerlidüz Nature Reserve|publisher=Ministry of Culture and Tourism|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref>

'''Habibi Neccar Dağı Nature Reserve''' is famous for its cultural as well as natural value, especially for St Pierre Church, which was carved into the rocks. The Charon monument, 200m north of the church, is huge sculpture of Haron, known as Boatman of Hell in mythology, carved into the rocks. The main species of tree are cluster pine, oaks and sandalwood. The mountain is also home to foxes, rabbits, partridges and stock doves. Nature reserve is 10&nbsp;km east of ] and can be accessible by public transport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D3137EE1F1486EE5030E91C5B747978912DF | title = Habibi Neccar Dagi Nature Reserve |author=|publisher=Ministry of Culture and Tourism | accessdate=2009}}</ref>

==Education==
{{See also|Education in Turkey}}

There are numerous private primary and high schools besides the state schools in the region. Most popular high school in the region is ], founded as a missionary school in 1888 to serve Armenian community and then became a secular school in 1923. In other cities, Anatolian High School and School for Science are the most popular high schools of the city.

The region is home to 5 state and 2 foundation universities.

''']''' is a state university founded in 1973 with the union of the faculties of Agriculture and Medicine.. Main campus is in the city of ], and the College of Tourism Administration is in ]. There is an engineering faculty in ], and vocational schools in ], ], ] and ]. The university is one of the well developed universities of Turkey with many cultural, social and athletic facilities, currently enrolls 40,000 students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haberfx.net/cude-ogrenci-kayitlarina-iftar-ayari-haberi-73938/|title=ÇÜ'de Öğrenci Kayıtları (Turkish)|author=|publisher=Haber FX|accessdate=|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120802041044/http://www.haberfx.net/cude-ogrenci-kayitlarina-iftar-ayari-haberi-73938/|archivedate=2012-08-02|df=}}</ref>

''']''' is a state university founded in 1992, and currently serving with 11 faculties, 6 colleges and 9 vocational schools. The university employs more than 2100 academicians and enrolls 26,980 students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mersin.edu.tr/haberleri.php?id=6&hid=543 | title = Student Statistics |author=|publisher=Mersin University | accessdate=2009}}</ref> Main campus is in the city of ]. In ], there is Faculty of Technical Education and Applied Technology and Management College. In ] and ], university has colleges and vocational schools. There are also vocational schools in ], ], ], and ].

''']''' is a state university located in ]. University was founded in 1992, currently has 9 faculties, 4 colleges and 7 vocational schools. Main campus is in ] and Faculty of Engineering is in ]. The university employs 708 academicians and 14,439 students as of 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mku.edu.tr/operation.php?op=1 | title = University History (Turkish) |author=|publisher=Mustafa Kemal University | accessdate=2009}}</ref>

''']''' was founded in 2007 as a state university with the union of colleges and vocational schools in ] and began enrollment in 2009. The university has 3 faculties and a vocational school at the main campus in the city of ] and vocational schools in ], ], ] and ]. University employs 107 academicians and enrolled 4000 students in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.osmaniye.edu.tr/turkish/english.asp | title = Information about University |author=|publisher=Korkut Ata University | accessdate=2009}}</ref>

''']''' is a recently founded state university that is planned to have ten faculties, two institutions and a college. It will accommodate 1,700 academic, 470 administrative staff, and it is expected to enroll students by 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radikal.com.tr/Radikal.aspx?aType=RadikalDetayV3&CategoryID=86&ArticleID=1044752| title = Adana'ya bilim üniversitesi(Turkish)|author=|publisher=Radikal| accessdate=March 31, 2011}}</ref>

''']''' is a not-for-profit tuition based university founded in 1997. It is located on midway from ] to ]. University holds around 2500 students, most of them commuting from Adana, Tarsus and Mersin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cag.edu.tr/cag.php?Kod=Genel&Alan=Genel&sayfaID=1 | title = Çağ University (Turkish)|author=|publisher= | accessdate=}}</ref>

''']''' is a not-for-profit tuition based university located in ]. The university started enrolling students in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mersinajans.com/detay.asp?hid=11400 | title = Toros Üniversitesi'ne rektör atandı. (Turkish)|author=|publisher= Mersin Ajans | accessdate=2009}}</ref>


==Sports==
] is the most popular sport in Çukurova, professionally represented at all levels of the ]. ] is also popular; Çukurova teams dominate the ] where 6 out of 14 teams are from Çukurova.


<center>'''Football Clubs of Çukurova'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Club
!Sport
!League
!Venue (capacity)
!Founded
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (14,805)
| align=center | 1954
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (14,805)
| align=center | 1940

|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (25000)
| align=center | 1925
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (6015)
| align=center | 1967
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (6000)
| align=center | 1923
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (2500)
| align=center | 1955
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ]
| align=center | 1978
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (12390)
| align=center | 1975
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (6500)
| align=center | 1938
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (2000)
| align=center | 1993
|}
</center>

{{wide image|Adana-Demirspor.jpg|1000px|align-cap=center|]; Çukurova's most popular football club}}

<center>'''Basketball Clubs of Çukurova'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Club
!Sport
!League
!Venue (capacity)
!Founded
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (2000)
| align=center | 1984
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (1750)
| align=center | 1993
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (2500)
| align=center | 2009
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (2000)
| align=center | 2000
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (1750)
| align=center |
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ]
| align=center | 2000
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (2000)
| align=center | 2006
|-
| ]
| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| ] (1750)
| align=center | 1993
|}
</center>

==Transportation==
Çukurova has a well-developed transportation system with two airports, two major seaports, motorways and railway lines on the historical route connecting Europe to Middle East.

===Air===
Çukurova is served by two airports. ] is an international airport that have flights to European destinations. There are daily domestic flights to ], ], ], ] and ]. ] serves the provinces of ], ] and ].

]
], opened in 2007, is a domestic airport, and currently has flights to ], ] and ], ]. Hatay Airport mostly serves ].

Another underconstruction airport is ], According to the newspaper ], the project's cost will be 357 million Euro. When finished, it will serve to 15 million people, and the capacity will be doubled in the future.

===Sea===
There are daily seabus and vehicle-passenger ferry services from ] to ], ]. From ] port, there are ferry services to ].

===Road===
The ] motorways crosses Çukurova. Motorways of Çukurova extends to ] on the north, ] on the west and ] on the east, and ] on the south. ] connects Çukurova to Antalya on the west. ]&ndash;], ]&ndash;], ]&ndash;]&ndash;] double roads are other regional roads.

===Railway===
Parallel to the highway network in Çukurova, there is an extensive railway network. Adana-Mersin train runs as a commuter train between Mersin, Tarsus and Adana. There are also regional trains from Adana to Ceyhan, Osmaniye and İskenderun.

{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Çukurova
|North = ] ]
|Northeast = ]
|East = ]
|Southeast = ]
|South = Mediterranean
|Southwest =
|West = ]
|Northwest = ]
}}


==Çukurova in popular culture== ==Çukurova in popular culture==
Culturally, the life and the hardships faced by the ordinary people of Çukurova was brought to the screen by many Turkish film directors including ], especially in his 1970 masterpiece '']'' (''The hope''). It is impossible to make a reference to Çukurova without mentioning the internationally acclaimed author who gave the region legendary dimensions, ]. Culturally, the life and the hardships faced by the ordinary people of Çukurova was brought to the screen by many Turkish film directors including ], especially in his 1970 masterpiece '']'' (''The hope''). It is impossible to make a reference to Çukurova without mentioning the internationally acclaimed author who gave the region legendary dimensions, ]. The popular Turkish TV series ] is set in Çukurova, Adana.


==Image gallery== == See also ==
<gallery class="center" >


* ]
File:04-12 Silifke 13 Remains of the Temple of Zeus 1.jpg|Zeus Temple-Silifke
* ]
File:Rock-Cut Tombs-Kanlidivane-Mersin-Turkey.jpg|Kanlıdivane
File:ViransehirSäulen.jpg|Soloi-Pompeiopolis
File:Anazarbus klikya city south gate.jpg|South gate of Anazarbus Castle
File:Anazarbus clikya west gate and anvarza castle.JPG|West gate Anazarbus Castle


==References==
File:HierapolisCastabalaTheater.jpg|Castabala Amphitheater-Osmaniye
{{Reflist}}
File:Monastery of St Simeon Stylites the Younger 3.jpg|Monastery of St Simeon-Hatay
File:Baghras2.jpg|Baghras in Hatay


{{Portal bar|Turkey}}
</gallery>
{{Authority control}}

==References==
{{reflist|3}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Cukurova}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Cukurova}}
]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 02:33, 3 September 2024

Fertile Plain in Turkey This article is about a plain in Turkey. For the district municipality in Adana, see Çukurova, Adana.
Çukurova imposed on Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye and Hatay provinces.

Çukurova (Turkish pronunciation: [tʃuˈkuɾova]) or the Cilician Plain (Cilicia Pedias in antiquity), is a large fertile plain in the Cilicia region of southern Turkey. The plain covers the easternmost areas of Mersin Province, southern and central Adana Province, western Osmaniye Province and northwestern Hatay Province.

Etymology

Çukurova is a compound of the Turkish words çukur "hollow, depression" and ova "plains". The oldest recorded use of the name in Turkish can be traced back to Aşıkpaşazade's late 15th century work Tevârîh-i Âl-i Osman [tr].

History

On the west bank of the Ceyhan river near the village of Sirkeli (Sirkeli Höyük), a late Hittite rock relief reminds of the presence of the Hittites in Çukurova (Cilician Plain). It shows the Hittite Great King Muwatalli II (1290–1272 BC)

The region's recorded history dates back over 6,000 years. During the Bronze Age, the region was known as Kizzuwatna. As an area located between the native Hurrian lands of Southeastern Anatolia and the native Luwian lands of the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia, it was a mixed Luwian-Hurrian region. Hence, these two indigenous languages, Luwian and Hurrian were prevalent in Kizzuwatna during the Bronze Age. The exact time of the Hittite conquest of Kizzuwatna is unknown but the scholars think that the region was incorporated into the Hittite Empire even before the reign of Ḫattušili I. Kizzuwatna plain was also known as Adaniya at the time.

Kizzuwatnan religion was similar to Hurrian religion as Tešup and Ḫepat form the main couple of gods in both pantheons. In the late 1270s BC Hittite Great King Ḫattušili III's marriage to the Kizzuwatna priestess Puduḫepa strengthened the Hurrian influence in the region and also increased the importance of the region among the provinces of the Hittite Empire. Išputaḫšu, Šunaššura, Eḫeya, Palliya and Padditaššu are the names of the Kizzuwatna kings that can be found in Hittite tablets. After the collapse of the Hittite Empire, a neo-Hittite kingdom called Ḫiyawa emerged in the region.

Armenian presence in Cilicia dates back to the first century BC, when under Tigranes the Great, the Kingdom of Armenia briefly expanded and conquered a vast region in the Levant. In 83 BC, the Greek aristocracy of Seleucid Syria, weakened by a bloody civil war, offered their allegiance to the ambitious Armenian king. During the Roman and early Byzantine Empires, the capital of the Province of Cilicia was the important seaport of Tarsus, where Mark Antony met Cleopatra, and birthplace of Paul the Apostle and Theodore of Tarsus, among other important missionaries.

The region became an early battleground between Muslim and Christian forces during the early Muslim conquest of the Levant, and was conquered in the 8th century and remained part of the Abbasid Caliphate until reconquered by Byzantine forces in 962. Shortly after, in 1080, Ruben founded the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. Throughout the Armenian period, the region was ruled by members of the royal Armenian House of Lampron.

When the Seljuk Turks captured the region in the 12th century, many Turkomans, including Oğuz clans of Yüreğir, Afshar and Chepni settled in the region's northern parts under the direction of Ramadanids. Those who preserved the nomadic lifestyle were named Yörüks. As of the 18th century, the Ottoman Empire pursued a policy aimed at settling these populations in permanent settlements; the process was more or less complete in the 19th century, although it involved many difficulties and much tension especially for the Ottoman dynasty.

Between the 1832 Convention of Kütahya leaving the territorial gains acquired by Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt to his administration till the 1841 London Conference convened to settle the question, Çukurova remained under the rule of the Khedive of Egypt. Although the period of Egyptian rule, motivated by Egypt's perennial need, timber for the navy, was relatively short, it left important marks in such areas as the introduction of industrial-scale cotton production and new arrivals into the population tissue of the region. Cottonpickers of Çukurova still start their workday with prayers for the memory of İbrahim Pasha, and the locally influent Menemencioğlu family, with notable descendants till our day, including Turkey's foreign minister during the Second World War, Numan Menemencioğlu, rose to notability by acting as middlemen for the Pasha. Among other families still prominent today and that had risen with the cotton boom, Kozanoğlu, Güveloğlu, Kerimoğlu, Karsantıoğlu, Küçükalioğlu families can be cited.

In 1869, the Vilayet of Adana (Adana Province) was incorporated after splitting up Aleppo Province. The borders of the Vilayet of Adana are similar to today's Çukurova region. Throughout the last remaining years of Ottoman rule, the region served as an important base for the Ottoman Navy.

The development of Mersin as a major port also began during this period. As a result, the cities of the region became prominent centers of trade, farming and industry. Today, Adana is the 5th largest city of Turkey, and a vital center of many agricultural products such as cotton.

Geography

Historically, the region was known as Kizuwatna by the Hittites and it was divided into two parts, Uru Adaniya (flat Cilicia) and western Cilicia (Tarza), which was also known as the mountainous Cilicia. The gates which allow passage from Çukurova into the Central Anatolian Plateau through the Taurus Mountains, the Cilician Gates of antiquity, is called Gülek Pass today. Belen Pass which connects the region to the southeast (to the modern district of Dörtyol in Hatay Province) and Sertavul Pass constitute other important points of passage. The region is included in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, and it borders Central Anatolia (historical Cappadocia) to the north, and Southeastern Anatolia to the east.

Natural resources

Agriculture

The Çukurova plain has some of the most fertile soil in the world in which 3 harvests can be taken each year. The region has the second richest flora in the world and it is the producer of all agricultural products of Turkey except hazelnut and tobacco. Çukurova leads Turkey in soy, peanuts and corn harvest and is a major producer of fruits and vegetables. Half of Turkey's citrus export is from Çukurova. Anamur is the only sub-tropical area of Turkey where bananas, mango, kiwi and other sub-tropical produce can be harvested.

Çukurova is the second largest honey producer in Turkey after the Muğla–Aydın region. Samandağ, Yumurtalık, Karataş and Bozyazı are some of the towns in the region where fishing is the major source of income. Gray mullet, red mullet, sea bass, lagos, calamari and gilt-head bream are some of the most popular fish in the region. There are aquaculture farms in Akyatan, Akyağan, Yumurtalık lakes and at Seyhan Reservoir. While not as common as other forms of agriculture, dairy and livestock are also produced throughout the region.

Mining

Parks and conservation areas

Akyatan Lagoon is a large wildlife refuge which acts as a stopover for migratory birds voyaging from Africa to Europe. The wildlife refuge has a 14,700-hectare (36,000-acre) area made up of forests, lagoon, marsh, sandy and reedy lands. Akyatan lake is a natural wonder with endemic plants and endangered bird species living in it together with other species of plants and animals. 250 species of birds are observed during a study in 1990. The conservation area is located 30 km south of Adana, near Tuzla.

Yumurtalık Nature Reserve covers an area of 16,430 hectares within the Seyhan-Ceyhan delta, with its lakes, lagoons and wide collection of plant and animal species. The area is an important location for many species of migrating birds, the number gets higher during the winters when the lakes become a shelter when other lakes further north freeze.

Karatepe-Aslantaş National Park located on the west bank of Ceyhan River in Osmaniye Province. The park include the Karatepe Hittite fortress and an open-air museum.

Tekköz-Kengerlidüz Nature Reserve, located 30 km north of Dörtyol, is known for having an ecosystem different from the Mediterranean. The main species of trees around Kengerliduz are beech, oak and fir, and around Tekkoz are hornbeam, ash, beach, black pine and silver birch. The main animal species in the area are wild goat, roe deer, bear, hyena, wild cat, wagtail, wolf, jackal and fox.

Çukurova in popular culture

Culturally, the life and the hardships faced by the ordinary people of Çukurova was brought to the screen by many Turkish film directors including Yılmaz Güney, especially in his 1970 masterpiece Umut (The hope). It is impossible to make a reference to Çukurova without mentioning the internationally acclaimed author who gave the region legendary dimensions, Yaşar Kemal. The popular Turkish TV series Bir Zamanlar Çukurova is set in Çukurova, Adana.

See also

References

  1. van den Hout, Theo (2007). "Institutions, Vernaculars, Publics: The Case of Second-Millennium Anatolia". In Sanders, Seth (ed.). Margins of Writing, Origins of Cultures (OIS 2 – second printing). pp. 221–262.
  2. Beal, Richard (1986). "The History of Kizzuwatna and the Date of the Šunaššura Treaty". Orientalia. 55 (4): 425. JSTOR 43075426.
  3. Jasink, Anna Margherita (2001). "Kizzuwatna and Tarẖuntašša: Their Historical Evolution and Interactions with Hatti". La Cilicie: Espaces et pouvoirs locaux (IIe millénaire av. J.-C. – IVe siècle ap. J.-C.). 13: 48.
  4. Görke, Susanne (2022). "Hurrian and Luwian Elements in the Kizzuwatna Religious Texts". Altorientalische Forschungen. 49: 148. doi:10.1515/aofo-2022-0011. S2CID 249474000.
  5. Görke, Susanne (2022). "Hurrian and Luwian Elements in the Kizzuwatna Religious Texts". Altorientalische Forschungen. 49: 148. doi:10.1515/aofo-2022-0011. S2CID 249474000.
  6. Hye Etch. "King Tigran II – The Great". Archived from the original on 21 February 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-17.
  7. Tahir Sezen "Osmanlı yer adları" sf. 6, T.C. Başbakanlık Devlet Arşivleri Genel Müdürlüğü (2006).
  8. "Türkiye'de Arıcılık". Assale. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
  9. "Adana gezi rehberi". Gezily. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
  10. "Yumurtalık Nature Reserve". Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
  11. "Tekkoz-Kengerlidüz Nature Reserve". Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
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