Sister Cities

• The relationship formed between the two cities in 2012 thanks to strong support from Louisville’s Turkish community.

• Both cities value their cultural diversity and seek to deepen cross-cultural ties. Adapazarı brings a rich Turkish cultural heritage, while Louisville has a strong tradition of embracing global perspectives through events like WorldFest and its vibrant immigrant communities.

Municipality (2023): 279,431

• The history of Adapazarı dates back to 378-376 BC, when it was called Agrilion.

• Conquered by Orhan Gazi in the 13th century. 

• The municipality has influence from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Hellentists, and Persians among others

• In 1868, the Adapazarı Municipality was officially founded. 

• In 1999, there was a very large earthquake, referred to as the Marmara earthquake, leaving 18,000 casualties.

• Though damaged by the devastating Marmara earthquake, Sakarya has since rebuilt and continues to thrive.

• Separated from the Kocaeli Province to become the center of a new province named the Sakarya Province in 2000 with its capital district Adapazari. 

• Over time, it became a home for immigrants from the Caucasus, Balkans, and Bulgaria, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries.

• The name "Adapazarı" translates to "Island Market," reflecting its historical significance as a trade center in a region surrounded by rivers and wetlands.

• While baklava is famous across Turkey, Adapazarı has its own reputation for producing top-quality pistachio baklava, making it a must-try dessert when visiting the city.

• The city is known for its fertile lands and agricultural productivity. Adapazarı pumpkins are particularly famous and used to make sweet and savory dishes, including a unique pumpkin dessert.

• Sangarius Bridge, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 533 AD, the only surviving ancient monument

• Kent Park features a reconstruction of a historic water wheel that provided fresh water to the city up until 1955

• Sakarya Art Gallery (Sakarya Sanat Galerisi) is a cultural highlight showcasing local and national artwork.

• Doğançay Waterfall is a natural monument in Turkey, one of nature’s hidden gems!

• Acarlar Floodplain Forest is a stunning, untouched area with seaside views, lagoons, dunes, and dense forests.

• Orhan Gazi Camii and Tozlu Cami, a historic mosque complex from the Ottoman sultan Orhan I, are among the oldest surviving Ottoman monuments.

• Sakarya offers modern shopping centers, like Serdivan AVM and Ada AVM, alongside local markets with fresh produce, spices, textiles, and crafts. The Adapazarı Market is famous for its lively atmosphere and diverse selections.

• Sakarya Spring Festival is held annually in Adapazarı, celebrating spring with music, dance, and cultural performances—a fantastic way to experience Adapazarı traditions and a lively atmosphere. This event also features amazing concerts!

• Turkish is the predominant language

• Today's inhabitants are Manavs, the Native Muslims are Armenians and Greeks who gradually converted to Islam, and it should not be ignored that Turk households settled in the region.

• Soccer is the most popular activity.

• Summers are hot and sometimes oppressively humid, the average maximum temperature is around 30 °C in July and August. 

• Winters are cool and wet, the lowest average minimum temperature is slightly below 4 °C in January

• Precipitation is plentiful, fairly evenly distributed year-round, and is most frequent in winter. 

• Snowfall is somewhat common between the months of December and March, snowing for a week or two, and it can be heavy.

• Adapazarı's cuisine reflects the broader culinary traditions of Turkish and Anatolian cuisine, with some unique local specialties influenced by the region's agricultural abundance and cultural diversity.

• Known for its fertile lands, the city is famous for its pumpkins, which are used in both sweet and savory dishes, including the beloved kabak tatlısı (pumpkin dessert), often topped with walnuts or tahini. 

• Freshwater fish from nearby Sapanca Lake and the Sakarya River, such as trout and carp, feature prominently in local meals, alongside Turkish staples like kebabs, pide (Turkish flatbread with toppings), and manti (dumplings with yogurt and garlic sauce). 

• Reflecting the area’s Circassian influence, Çerkez Tavuğu (Circassian chicken with walnut sauce) is a popular appetizer. 

• Adapazarı also boasts high-quality dairy products, including creamy kaymak, which pairs perfectly with bread and honey. 

• Street foods like lahmacun (Turkish-style flatbread with minced meat) and simit (sesame-covered bread rings) are common snacks, while desserts such as baklava and seasonal fruit-based treats round out the culinary experience. 

• Locals enjoy their meals with çay (tea), Ayran (a yogurt-based drink), or festive sherbets, making dining in Adapazarı a flavorful journey that reflects its agricultural richness and cultural heritage.

• Adapazari is one of the most important industrial capitals of Turkey.

• While Turkey is a developing country, the city of Adapazari renovated its infrastructure and industry after the 1999 catastrophic Marana earthquake. 

• Agriculture and forestry also form an important part of the city's economy, with the production of tobacco, hazelnuts, walnut-wood, cocoons and vegetables. 

• Other major industries in the city and its surrounding province include textile factories for silk and linen products. 

• Adapazarı hosts a large automobile factory owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation, as well as the Hyundai EURotem train factory. 

• Tank Pallet 1st Main Maintenance, one of the biggest Turkish defense contractors, and Otokar, a major manufacturer of buses and military vehicles, are located in Sakarya.

• The only university in the city is Sakarya University, one of the largest universities in Turkey in terms of student enrollment. Since its establishment in 1992, Sakarya University has influenced the culture of the city and transformed public life.

• Louisville, KY, and Adapazarı, Turkey, have a sister city partnership that reflects a shared commitment to fostering cultural understanding, community engagement, and mutual support. 

• Notably, after Adapazarı was struck by a devastating earthquake in 1999, Louisville extended humanitarian support, reinforcing the bond between the two cities.

• This partnership promotes opportunities for cultural exchanges, such as educational programs, festivals, and culinary events.