Adana, formerly Seyhan, is a city of one million people in south central Turkey, on the Seyhan River, near the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the fastest growing industrial and residential regions in Turkey. Adana is the marketing and distribution center for an agricultural region in which cotton, wheat, barley, grapes, citrus fruits, vegetables, olives, and tobacco are produced.
The chief industries in the city are textile manufacturing, tanning, and the processing of wool and various foods. Local area points of interest include a great stone bridge, built in part during the 6th century reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, and castle ruins dating from 782 and the nearby biblical cities of Tarsus and Antioch (Antakya). Most historians agree that Adana was probably founded in 63 B.C. by the Roman statesman Pompey the GreatFor several centuries thereafter it was a way-station on a Roman military road leading to the east. The city declined in importance after the fall of the Roman Empire (A.D. 476) but was rebuilt in the 8th century by Harun ar-Rashid, Caliph of Baghdad. Adana was held by Egypt from 1832 to 1840, when it was restored to Turkish rule. Like many cities and other metropolitan areas, one can see a unique mixture of "east" and "west" within the city limits.  The main transportation is by bus, dolmus (small bus) and taxies. Travel by plane, train or bus to other major cities is available at very reasonable rates.
Temperatures range from 85º to 105ºF in the summer months and 35º to 60ºF in the winter months. Snow in the winter is rare and the summers can be sweltering.
	Weekend getaways are fast and cheap with several beaches less than an hour away from Adana. There are many places for boating, fishing, swimming and snorkeling. There is also some good scuba diving, but you must be with a Turkish diving guide or official diving group - check with the Incirlik Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sports rental shop, where you can rent your equipment and arrange for a guide. Also, there are several castles dating from the time of the crusades to visit - all easy day trips. Simply pack your lunch and go with your friends for an exciting, and not easily forgotten trip.
For a truly different outlook, you can head for the mountains for a scenic view and relaxation. The mountain sides and their isolated valleys have plenty of little kebap restaurants and tea houses in almost every village for a quick, economical, satisfying meal. If you prefer a more rustic approach, pick up a loaf or two of freshly baked bread or Pita with mouthwatering Feta or Cheddar cheese, along with freshly picked fruit and vegetables for lunch al fresco by a small mountain lake or stream.
Recreational opportunities within the city are similar to those in Ankara plus, for VBR employees, Incirlik Air Base offers a brand new Base Exchange, bowling alley, shoppette (mini-mart), Commissary, fast food restaurants (including Burger King, Taco Bell, Robin Hood Sandwiches, Anthony's Pizza, and coming soon - Popeye's Chicken) clubs, a golf course, library, video rentals, a movie theater and postal services. Incirlik Air Base also has a web site that provides additional information as well.