Kazancilar Bazaar & Great Clock Tower: The Beating Heart of Old Adana
Dating back to the 16th century, Kazancilar Bazaar (Kazancılar Çarşısı, meaning “Kettle Makers Bazaar”) is the historic commercial hub of Adana. Built around the towering Great Clock Tower, this atmospheric market complex preserves Ottoman era trade traditions where copper artisans, spice merchants and historic kebab taverns operate side by side.
Highlights of the Bazaar Quarter
The Great Clock Tower
Standing at 32 meters (105 feet), the Clock Tower was completed in 1882 during the governorship of Abidin Pasha. Recognized as the tallest historical clock tower in Turkey, its solid brick construction survived major earthquakes and remains the defining landmark of old Adana.
Coppersmiths, Tinsmiths & Spice Traders
While modern shops have joined the bazaar, Kazancilar retains its authentic artisan roots. Walking down its alleys, you will encounter:
- Traditional Copperware: Hand hammered copper coffee pots, large stew cauldrons, brass trays and traditional bath bowls.
- Spices & Dried Goods: Burlap sacks of red pepper flakes, dried sumac, thyme and regional citrus blossoms.
- Yag Cami (Oil Mosque): Originally a 13th century Crusader church converted into a Seljuk style mosque, featuring a beautiful stone portal adjacent to the market streets.
Traditional Kebab Culture
As evening falls, Kazancilar Bazaar transforms into an energetic dining center. Long charcoal grills are lit beneath the stone arches, drawing locals and travelers for freshly skewered Adana kebabs, grilled liver and folk music.
Location & Travel Guide
Kazancilar Bazaar is situated in the Tepebag quarter of central Adana, a short walk from the Seyhan River.
Practical Travel Tips:
- How to Get There: Easily reachable on foot from central hotel districts or via a short taxi ride to the Clock Tower landmark.
- The Morning Liver Tradition: A unique local tradition occurs early mornings when locals gather for fresh grilled liver kebabs and hot tea.
- Best Time to Explore: Late afternoon for shopping and coppersmith photography, followed by an evening dinner beneath the illuminated clock tower.
The bazaar's grill house restaurants offer an authentic taste of Adana's night dining heritage.
