Osmaniye a city of about 300,000 inhabitants in the Turkey.
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| Osmaniye | ||
| province | Osmaniye | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 180.000 | |
other value for residents on Wikidata: 264373   | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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background
Located at the eastern end of the Çukorova (a fertile plain), this place was already important during the Hittite times. Findings in the north and west prove this. Since several trade routes crossed here, including the Silk Road, this place was claimed by all of the local high cultures and secured by fortresses and settlements. Even if the city center of Osmaniye has actually only been expanded with less beautiful high-rise buildings in recent years, there are still numerous historical sites around the city. But Osmaniye has even more to offer. Embedded in the mountain landscape, the Ceyhan River flows here, which is dammed 35 km to the north. This creates picturesque landscapes in lush green.
Despite all these sights, Osmaniye lives almost exclusively from agriculture and the textile industry. Tourists almost never get lost in this place. Only the Karatepe National Park in the north can take a few day trippers out now and then Adana record.
getting there
By plane
The nearest international airports are in Adana and Gaziantep
By bus
There are bus connections to and from Adana and Gaziantep. The bus station for this is on Musa Şahin Bulvarı, which runs through the city center. The Dolmuş connections to the surrounding villages also start here.
In the street
Osmaniye is just off the D-400 and the O-52, both of which are cities Adana and Gaziantep connect.
On the track
The Baghdad Railway runs through Osmaniye. Today there is the option of the Firat Express, which runs between Adana and Elazığ wrong to reach Osmaniye. Current information is available from the TCCD at [1] to find.
mobility
Some villages can be reached by dolmuş, but the network is thin compared to other areas of Turkey. Because of this and the spatial distribution of the tourist highlights, Osmaniye is particularly recommended for self-drivers.
Tourist Attractions
There isn't much to see in the city. For an evening discovery walk, however, it is definitely enough:
- Cumhuriyet Meydanı. This central square of the republic has more of the flair of a military appeal area.
There is more relaxation in the small park on the corner of Ahmet Alkan Caddesi / Park Sok
There are plenty of archaeological sites to be found around Osmaniye in a picturesque natural landscape, the most important of which are:
- Hierapolis Kastabala. This ruin site, about 15 km north of the city center, offers two ruins in one. Once there is the ancient Hierapolis Kastabala. This ancient city, built in 175 BC. First mentioned in BC, it was a holy city where the temple of Perasia was venerated. Later, the Christian faith was also adopted here, which can still be seen today in the church ruins. Between 524 AD and 561 AD, the city was so badly affected by numerous earthquakes that it was abandoned. Excavation work has been scheduled to start in the extensive city ruins for a long time. Initial estimates assume a period of 60 to 70 years before what is known up to now is uncovered. As the vanguard, a security guard sits in a wooden hut and takes 3 teaspoons of entry. You can see, among other things, the former column-rich boulevard, two churches, a Roman bath and a theater. In the latter you can see the entrances of the predators just as well as the somewhat larger seating steps for the VIP guests. The entrance fee also includes a visit to the fortress, which towers over the entire complex on a rock. This as Bodrumkale of crusaders in the 13th century AD built fortress was in the 14th century. abandoned AD. But dark clouds are gathering because this site has been sold to a company that is now planning to build a cement plant here. [2] Unfortunately, the area cannot be reached by dolmuş. Self-drivers should drive towards Karatepe from Osmaniye, which is well signposted. Just before the archaeological site, Hierapolis is well signposted and can be seen from afar.
- Karatepe Aslantaş. If you continue to follow the signs you come to the Ceyhan reservoir in a densely forested area. This is the Karatepe National Park (Karatepe = Turkish Black Mountain). In addition to a picturesque environment with many rare animals (including jackals, land crabs, wild turtles but also rare snakes) there are a variety of leisure activities, such as water sports, hiking or visiting the Hittite city of Karatepe Aslantaş. The Great Hittite Empire of Hattuşa Although it had perished for 400 years, small Hittite kingdoms like this one with the name Adanava remained over the whole of today's Turkish territory for centuries. This fortress, which was built in 4 phases, was founded by the late Hittite king Asativatas in the 8th century. v. And was called Asativadaya. He built this fortress as a protective castle against the enemies from the northeast (probably Assyrians) in order to secure the caravan routes running here. It was also the Assyrians who died in 720 BC. Under Salmanasar V. or in 680 BC. Destroyed the fortress under Azarhaddon. After that it was left. From an archaeological point of view, this complex is particularly interesting for three reasons. On the one hand, the archaeologist Raoul Schrott advocates the not undisputed thesis that this fortress is the Troy described by Homer (see also Troy ). Secondly, the reliefs and statues found here are in excellent condition and thirdly, texts in multilingual representations could be found here, which made it possible to find access to Luwian hieroglyphic writing. This is comparable to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone (see Rashid). Excavations have been taking place here since 1947, mostly with the Turkish archaeologist Halet Çambel in collaboration with German or Italian institutes. There is a picnic area in the entrance area of the facility. This is equipped with a playground, kiosk and picnic benches and tables. There is a fee to use this facility, but not the beautiful view. If you move your picnic on one of the stone walls, it's free. The parking lot behind is also free of charge. In addition to covered parking spaces, there is a souvenir shop and a display board that provides a brief overview of the complex and an English translation of the Hittite inscriptions found. In addition to handmade souvenirs, you can also get an information brochure in the souvenir shop. A slightly uphill path leads to the fortress. Here you get entry for 3 TL and are accompanied or guided through the facility. Unfortunately, the guide does not speak English or German, so it often remains with an escort. But if you have mastered the Turkish language, the guide is extremely competent. In addition to the archaeological highlights, rare animals and plants are also shown. But only the archaeological highlights are worth a visit. You can see:
- city wall. The foundation of the over one kilometer long city wall has been restored.
- South gate. Here is the first highlight. Flanked by lion statues, some of which are only partially preserved, this gate shows many well-preserved reliefs depicting gods and scenes from the everyday life of the Hittites. In the back of the gate there is a reception area framed with reliefs.
- Weather god. This re-erected statue, over 3 meters high, stands on two bulls and contains numerous inscriptions.
- Royal palace. The complex, located on a hilltop, is only contained in the foundations and shows the palace, barracks and granaries. The palace contains a complex drainage system and a paved path with sewers.
- North gate. Here you can see the best preserved reliefs and statues. Flanked by very well-preserved sphinxes and lion statues, some of which still have the original eyes, there are, as in the north gate, many panels with depictions of gods, inscriptions and the daily life of the Hittites. Particularly noteworthy are the depiction of the plump prince, who is fed and entertained by his subjects, while a little monkey sits under the table and shows an amused-looking posture, that of the fertility god with monkeys on his shoulders or the depiction of a sea battle that a forms a central element in the Troy theory of Mr. Schrott.
- museum. More finds from this complex are shown here: photos of the crusader castle Kumkale, which was sunk in the reservoir, overview and finds from the Hittite town of Domuztepe, which is also in the Karatepe National Park, and interesting facts about the excavation and deciphering of Luwian hieroglyphics.
- Many sources speak of an absolute ban on photography. This was not the case in summer 2008.
- Ala Camii. This mosque in Kadirli is based on a church from the 12th century. AD back.
- Anavarza. Perhaps the most imposing but also the least known facility in the entire region. This fortress, apparently stretching over a kilometer, is visible high on a rock. If you approach this Not signposted facility comes as a surprise. There is not only the castle complex here, but also the ruins of a Roman and Armenian city. Historically, however, the Assyrians, who set up a trading post here, were the first to settle on this 200 meter high rock. In 19 BC Sources report on the visit of Emperor Augustus, who at that time gave the settlement the name Caesarea near Anazarbus, which had grown to the size of a city. In 206 AD Anavarza was also conquered by the Persian king Shapur and in the 4th century. Destroyed by Balbinos of Isaura AD. But already under Theodosius II in the 5th century. AD Anavarza was named the regional capital of the Kylik Plain. At that time there was also a direct road to the nearby Hieraplolis, which can still be seen today. Like Hieraplois, Anavarza was also badly affected by earthquakes between 524 AD and 561 AD. A subsequent epidemic would weaken the city for years. Only the Abbasid caliph Hārūn ar-Raschīd rebuilt the city in 796. The caliph al-Mutawakkil built in the 9th century. AD the fortress continued. His name can still be found today on a watchtower in the west of the complex. When the Byzantine emperor Nikephorus II conquered Kylikien in 964 AD, the Anavarza, known at the time as Aynı Zarba, fell back to the Byzantine Empire. In the 11th century Eventually the Armenians penetrated to the southwest and established a small Armenian Kylikian kingdom with its headquarters in Anavarza. In the years that followed, the ruling powers changed rapidly in Kylikien, with the Anavarza fortress always being a central element, which led to the increasing destruction of the city of Anavarza. When the Mameluks took Anavarza in 1375, the fortress and city were completely destroyed and abandoned. The ruins of the complex can be found in front of and in the village of Dilekkaya. From Osmaniye, the best way to do this is to drive west on the 400 to the village of Ceyhan. Here you turn right on the 817 towards Kardili. In the village of Aysehoca, a small country road leads to the ruin, which is already in sight here. The signpost was stolen years ago, according to the villagers. When you reach the village, you will quickly be found by one of the self-appointed guards. These then lead the few visitors across the spacious area. Here it is advisable to bring plenty of time and good shoes with you. The price is usually negotiated and applies to all attractions :.
- museum. The museum is located directly in the village and shows how far-reaching the complex is below the village. When trying to expand a house, two large, very well-preserved and really worth seeing mosaics were uncovered here. Without further ado, this property was named an open-air museum by the village and supplemented by some other finds.
- Triumphal arch / south gate. In the southern part of the city, a triumphal arch at the end of Colonadenstrasse has been preserved and is certainly one of the most beautiful structures in Anavarza.
- Stadium / theater. The remains of these two structures are located between the south gate and the triumphal arch.
- Roman roads. The remains of Colonadenstrasse and the connecting road with Hierapolis can still be found here. The latter runs through a 250 meter long, up to 50 meter deep and 4 to 15 meter wide pass through the rock on the city site. According to legend, the caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib split the rock with his sword when he had to flee from enemies.
- city wall. This is about 1.5 km long and shows 20 bastions and 4 entrances. An aqueduct runs to the north.
- Armenian city. In the north of the city there are remains of the wall of the Armenian city.
- Roman tombs. On the ascent to the castle ruins there are numerous, partly badly weathered tombstones from Roman times.
- Castle ruins. The ascent takes about 30 minutes. You need good footwear for this and you should have a head for heights. You will be rewarded with a fantastic view and a large ruin complex, which can come up with a church, a three-story tower, storage areas and water cisterns, among other things.
- Yılan Kalesi. If you follow the 400 in the direction Adana after approx. 30 km in the village of Ceyhan you can clearly see the castle hill of the Schlangenburg (Turkish: Yılan Kalesi). A fortress has stood here since the Hittites to control the route of the caravans through the Çukorova. According to legend, a snake king ruled here at times. However, this is not to be found in the complex, instead there are 8 defensive towers, a castle chapel and the main gate with a representation of Leo II.
- Sirkeli Höyük. The remains of a Hittite fortress can be found within sight of the Yılan Kalesi, directly on the banks of the Ceyhan River. A use from the early Bronze Age to the Iron Age has been proven by numerous finds. During the excavations, in addition to the floor plan of the building with paving, numerous relics from all periods were found (see also the current Sirkeli excavation project [3] ). The most interesting find, however, are the two reliefs in the rock on the embankment. Once there is a depiction of the Great King Muwatalli II (r. 1290–1272 BC) and the heavily damaged (probably willful) of the Great King Mursili III. This fell victim to a coup and should then obviously be erased by his successor. (see also Hattuşa).
- Toprakkale. If you leave Osmaniye towards the west Adana, one reaches the so-called Syrian gate after a short time. An approx. 2 km wide valley is formed here by mountain foothills. The Armenians built the castle complex of Toprakkale in the 12th century in order to be able to monitor it better. However, the coveted strategic location of this castle led to a constant change of ownership. In addition to the Armenians, the Byzantines, Crusaders, Mamelukes and finally the Ottomans should be mentioned. Here you can still discover underground passages, hall buildings and defense towers. When it was in use, this castle, Bodrumkale and Yilan Kalesi were probably in constant contact via beacons.
- Just mountains. Osmaniye is located directly on the foothills of this mountain range. Two different routes invite you to explore. Once it is possible to drive in the east of Osmaniye in the direction of Karataş over numerous serpentines into the Nur Mountains. The route is a little more straightforward via Karacalar in the south of Osmaniye. Both routes offer beautiful forests, mountain pastures, waterfalls, etc.
activities
- Discover. The many archaeological sites invite you to explore. Since many of them have not yet been restored or uncovered, a lot can be found here still undiscovered.
- hike. Just the one Karatepe National Park and the Just mountains are suitable for a hiking excursion in fantastic surroundings.
- water sports. There are opportunities for this in Aslantaş Barajı.
- Wildlife observation. There are no guided tours here. But if you are looking, you will find yourself in the Karatepe National Park or in the Just mountains find it.
shop
Most of the shops are around Ahmet Alkan Caddesi and Ataturk Caddesi. You can find everything you can find in every city here. The best souvenirs can be found in Karatepe National Park
kitchen
All around the Ahmet Alkan Caddesi and the Ataturk Caddesi there are lots of simple or very simple Lokantas. Mostly rice with Köfte or something similar is offered here. The selection of sweet delicacies is significantly larger. Those who want a little more comfort and choice are in the restaurant diva at İstayon Caddesi (extension of Ahmet Alkan Caddesi) right. At least the pizza is recommended. (Tel .: 90 328 8149800)
nightlife
When night falls, the youth gather and ride up and down the Ahmet Alkan Caddesi and the Ataturk Caddesi on everything that has two wheels and a motor. If you can't afford the engine yet, you can follow it by bike. The "gangs" take a break in the city park at the corner of Ahmet Alkan Caddesi / Musa Şahin Bulvarı. However, if you want to stop by in the evening, you will lose it Ozan Nargile Cafe not around. In this very comfortably furnished café you can admire the bridal wreath of the grandmother of the owners Oğuzhan and Ahmet on a stuffed cow's head while drinking a çay or a water pipe. The highlight, however, is a water pipe standing in a glass cabinet, which many famous people are said to have pulled. Upon request, Oğuzhan and Ahmet will be happy to explain more about it and of course everything you need to know about the current status of their ornamental fish farming. A must for anyone visiting Osmaniye. (Tel .: 90 532 685 8900)
accommodation
- Şahin Hotel, Dr. Ahmet Kalkan Caddesi 27 / Osmaniye. Tel.: 90 328 8124444, Fax: 90 328 8138484. Price: € 45.00 (double room).Clean rooms with very good service. You should avoid breakfast and a restaurant. Guarded parking lot for hotel guests behind the house.
- Kevansaray Oteli, Şehit Mehmet Eroğlu Caddesi 21 / Osmaniye. Tel.: 90 328 8143183. Price: € 10 to € 16 (double room) with or without bathroom.
security
It happens again and again that you are offered antique potsherds, coins or small stones as a gift or someone asks you to take them with you. The amount of antique objects that cover the floor in places could also tempt you to take them as souvenirs If you try to do this, you make yourself highly criminal and you risk ending up in a Turkish prison.
health
- There are poisonous snakes here. This is no reason not to go on any hike. But be vigilant and the use of paths or paths ensures your own health. Notice that humans are not on the menu for any type of snake. As a rule, the snake flees from the hiker.
- Furthermore, many interesting sights are hardly or not very well developed for tourists. And since it gets really hot in summer, you should be covered with enough water.
- The sometimes steep ascents to the castles should also be undertaken with good footwear and a portion of caution, so that the dreamlike atmosphere and landscape remain fantastic.
Practical advice
Very few speak English or even German here. Therefore, good preparation is not a disadvantage. If it is not enough: take courage, the residents are friendly and will usually explain everything with their hands and feet until you can get along. (It is not uncommon for an invitation to tea to follow)
The national code is 0328
trips
- Have enough sights for a day trip and the cities are definitely the right distance Adana, Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep and İskenderun.
- Who to Nemrut Dağı should definitely plan an overnight stay on the mountain, as the best is the sunrise there.
- For swimming in the Mediterranean there are the next good beaches in Yumurtalik (see Adana ), which is also close to day trips.
- If you need all the international tourism related (e.g .: You speak German), you have to go to Kızkalesi drive and therefore plan at least one or better two nights.
- Cappadocia can be reached within a day's drive.
literature
- "Karatepe - Aslantas, Azatiwataya" by Halet Cambel and Ash Özyar published by Zabern Verlag 2003 / ISBN 3-8053-3085-5
- "Homer's home. The struggle for Troy and its real background" by Raoul Schrott was published by Hanser Verlag 2008 / ISBN 978-3446230231
- "Inscriptions from Greek cities from Asia Minor: The inscriptions from Anazarbos and the surrounding area: Part 1: Inscriptions from the urban area and the immediate vicinity of the city: Bd 56" by Mustafa H Sayar published by Habelt Verlag 2000 / ISBN 978-3774929609
Web links
http://www.osmaniye-bld.gov.tr/ (tr) - Osmaniye official website
