Things to Know

Elazig, located in Eastern Anatolia, is a city with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations such as Hurris, Hittites, Urartus, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. The city was founded by Sultan Abdulaziz as Mamurat-ül Aziz to provide a new settlement for over-population from Harput town. Today, visitors can explore the city's past by visiting the Ethnography and Archaeology museum, which displays a wide range of ancient artifacts.


Elazig is situated on a plain at an altitude of 1,067 meters, near a mountain, and serves as a center for crop and livestock trading. The province's deep soil deposits of copper, lead, chromium, and magnesium also contribute significantly to its economy.


The city's rapid development is attributed to the Keban and Karakaya Dams, which are built on the Euphrates (Firat) river and create two large artificial lakes. Keban Lake is Turkey's second-largest artificial lake after Ataturk Dam.


Elazig offers many historic sites to explore, such as the Byzantine fortress in Harput, located 5 kilometers north of the city. There are also several Seljuk-period mosques in the area. Lake Hazar, located 25 kilometers south of Elazig, is surrounded by mountains and provides a peaceful environment for nature lovers. The Buzluk Cave, located northeast of Elazig, remains cool during the summer months and warm during winter, despite being located in a harsh continental climate with frosty winters. The Hazarbaba mountain, 30 kilometers from the city, has a small ski resort with trails for skiing.


Elazig offers something for everyone, from nature enthusiasts to history buffs, sports enthusiasts, and food lovers. It is a city full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.


Places to Visit in Elazig