Seyhan Reservoir

The Seyhan Reservoir was formed in 1956 when a dam was built across the Seyhan River near Adana, creating a large artificial lake that today supplies water and supports fishing across the surrounding Çukurova plain. Beneath its waters lie the remains of a Roman-era settlement raised roughly two thousand years ago and dedicated to Livia, wife of the emperor Augustus; before the valley was flooded, archaeologists recovered coins, tombstones and carved architectural fragments from the site, now held in museums in Adana. Because of this submerged heritage, the reservoir area and the surrounding Sarıçam district were declared a first-degree archaeological site, and a decision published in early 2026 extended conservation measures across the wider historical zone. Beyond its archaeological interest, the reservoir is also valued today as a spot for birdwatching and lakeside recreation on the edge of Adana.