Seyhan Merkez Park

Merkez Park (English: Central Park) is a 33-hectare (82-acre) urban park that is located on both banks of the Seyhan River in Adana. The larger portion of the park, 30 hectares (74 acres), is on the west bank.

Type: Urban park
Location: Adana, Turkey
Coordinates: 36°59′44″N 35°20′06″E
Area: 33 ha (82 acres)
Created: 2004
Operated byAdana Metropolitan Municipality
Status: Open all year

Merkez Park starts just north of Sabancı Mosque and extends north to Galleria Shopping Mall. On the west of the park there is Fuzuli Street. On the east bank, the park starts north of the Sheraton Hotel (under construction) and extends north to the Acqualand Entertainment Center. On the east, the park is bordered with Hacı Sabancı Boulevard. Sinanpaşa and Yavuzlar footbridges connect both sections of the park.

A large portion of the area of the west bank of today's Merkez Park was a citrus garden. South of the garden, there was a neighborhood of shanty homes. At the very south, just north of D-400 State road, there was the Central Bus Terminal on the river side, and the Archaeology Museum (which is still there) and a gas station on the street side. North of the garden up to the old dam, was a reserve land for floods which used to happen frequently until the 1950s. On the east bank, there was a neighborhood of shanty homes and a large area of vacant land.

The idea to create a large urban park on the banks of the Seyhan River was first included in the city plan in 1988 by the mayor, Aytaç Durak. Named Merkez Park, it was planned to be built in an area from north of D-400 State road to the old dam. The project was presented to the public at the art gallery of the Municipal Hall. The first step to take was to relocate the Central Bus Terminal which was just north of D-400 State road. The Central Bus Terminal was moved to the west end of the city.

At the 1989 local elections, Selahattin Çolak was elected mayor, and he reversed the project. Although river banks are zoned as construction-free areas by laws, a large shopping mall was approved for the area just south of the Demirköprü bridge. On the area north of Demirköprü, Selahattin Çolak built a large amphitheater, named Mimar Sinan Amphitheater.

Footbridge over the Seyhan River, connecting the two sections of the park
At the 1994 local elections, Aytaç Durak was elected mayor for a second term. He had to modify the original plan of Merkez Park due to the constructions in the project area. The modified project resumed by re-zoning the neighborhood within the project area. There were around 100 homes in the area and demolition of the homes started in 1998. During this period, the Sinanpaşa footbridge was built to connect both banks of the Seyhan River. Sabancı Mosque, at the corner of Seyhan bridge, was completed in 1998.
Before the construction of Merkez Park, a citywide recreational pathway was completed on both banks of the Seyhan River. Park construction started by building the major pathway of the park from Galleria to Sabancı Mosque. Citrus trees were completely removed and converted into multi-functional green areas. The gas station next to the Archaeology Museum was moved to another location and the park was extended towards Sabancı Mosque. An underground car park was built at the area between Sabancı Mosque and the museum. The ground was set as green area. The construction of the west bank of the park was fully completed in 2008.

Merkez Park is well landscaped and carries a wide variety of trees and plants in an open concept. There are 67 species of trees and bushes, 40 species of cactuses, aromatic and ground covering plants. The number of total plants exceed 400 thousand. Some of the plants that were brought from Italy are shaped as animal figures. Within the park there are 12 ponds and a 2.2-hectare (5.4-acre) playground for children incl

This was one of my favorite places in Adana. I walked around for a while in this park. It’s clean, and it feels really safe in contrast to the historical centre. There are many great spots for pictures in this park.

It's a very big park where families with children can have a peaceful time. There is a beautiful mosque in the park. There is underground parking for cars.

Merkez Park is the biggest park at the heart of Adana city center. It is quite big with lots of trees and grassy areas. You can hang out here with friends and family especially those with kids. Moreover, you can see a nice view from here of the big mosque. Park is maintained nicely and it is clean. It is alsona good place for running, jogging or just walking.

It’s a lovely park with some water fountains and plenty of benches. The location is perfect it’s close to the stone bridge and the mosque. It’s perfect for a picnic or just a hang out.

Good place for walking. There are beautiful views and nice installations.

A clean, beautiful and well managed park which is named as Adana central park. Tourists enjoy here because there are boats, train and other ridings available. Children also enjoy their times here.

Such a beautiful park,taken care of very well and such a greta place to spend some time in i really enjoyed my time there,the view is nice kitties were there too (love thi) all clean very large in size anyone can find a quiet place to stay in a good place to have a picnic in 🧺 just next to the cami also which is a plus !!!!

This special place has to be seen to really understand its beauty.
My pictures could not capture its beauty.
Please do not go to Adana without seeing this magnificent place.

Beautiful park near to sheraton hotel.. fantastic view...well maintained...you get peace of mind...nice restaurants nearby...you can spend one day in park you bring food and other stuff...u can do boating as well...must visit plave if you come to adana

Beautiful place to chill and picture some great views

I recommend, everyone traveling to Adana should visit it also the masjed was very nice , the garden very nice for kids .

Very nice park. I liked the pedestrian Bridge across the river most

Pretty park in the heart of Adana. Nice paths to walk, but the area are not shaded (perhaps because the trees are not that tall?) so it can be very hot during summer days.

Clean park with great views and lots of ground for walking, relaxing or running!

Calm and quite. Good for walking with family beside river.

Nice and big park . It has everything walk fin for family and kids

Amazing park. Congratulations to Turkish people for conctructing this superb place.

Adana..
My city. I have traveled to many places in the world, I have seen and lived. But it's still where I find myself, where I feel. It's my arena. Anyway, Central Park is one of the must-see places. If you come to the there, visit it. Also, the mosque was once the largest mosque.

Views and park is mentioned for a long time pass and they maintain in a good way different experience