Seyhan River

The Seyhan River (formerly written Seihan, Sihun; ancient name: Σάρος, Sarus) is the longest river in Turkey that is flowing into Mediterranean Sea. The river is 560 km and flows southwest from its headwaters in the Tahtalı-Mountains (provinces Sivas and Kayseri) in Anti-Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea via a broad delta. Its main tributaries are Zamantı and Göksu which unite in Aladağ, Adana to form Seyhan River. Zamantı River originates from Uzun Plateau in Pınarbaşı, Kayseri and crosses Tomarza, Develi and Yahyalı districts of Kayseri.

In ancient times, it was called the Sarus, and its plain was called the Cilician plain.

50 km from its mouth, Seyhan River flows through the city of Adana, the only settlement situated on the river. Several bridges and footbridges cross the river in Adana including Stone Bridge, a 4th century Roman bridge. The river meets Mediterranean Sea at Cape Deli.

The major Seyhan Dam upstream of Adana serves for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control. Yedigöze and Çatalan are the other dams on Seyhan river which also serve the same purposes.