Büyük Saat, Ottoman clock tower in central Adana, Turkey.
Büyük Saat is a clock tower with a square base that rises approximately 32 meters above the central square of Adana. Cut stone construction covers the entire structure, with clock faces visible on each of its four sides.
Construction started in 1881 under Governor Ziya Pasha and finished in 1882 during Governor Abidin Pasha's term as part of Ottoman modernization efforts. The German clock mechanism was installed in 1925, representing a later update to the tower's original structure.
The tower's bell chimes mark the daily rhythm of Adana, shaping how residents experience time throughout the city. These sounds have become woven into the local identity and guide the pace of community life.
Visitors can enter the tower and climb approximately 110 steps to reach the upper level where the clock mechanism is housed. The staircase is steep and narrow, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to move carefully through the interior.
The tower's foundation extends deep underground, reaching approximately 35 meters below ground level to ensure stability. This hidden foundation goes deeper than the tower itself stands above ground, making it an engineering achievement visitors do not see.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
