Elazığ (Province)

Elazığ is a province located in the heart of Eastern Anatolia, distinguished by its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. This region has served as a home to numerous civilizations throughout history, including the Hittites, Urartians, Romans, and Byzantines. Etymologically, it has been known by various names such as Harput, Ma’muretü’l-Aziz, and Elaziz, and is now known as Elazığ. Its modern economic structure is supported by industries such as industry, agriculture, mining, and livestock farming, while also attracting attention through its dynamic culture and tourism opportunities.

_{(Harput Kalesi).}

Elazığ and its surroundings have been under the dominance of various civilizations throughout history and have been known by different names. The region’s name has changed over time according to the linguistic and cultural influences of the ruling powers.

• Išuwa: In Hittite sources from the 2nd millennium BCE, the region was known as Išuwa. It was considered one of the important settlements on the eastern frontier of the Hittite Empire and is believed to have been a local kingdom center.

• Sophene: During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the region was known as part of the Kingdom of Sophene. This name became widespread particularly in the 1st century BCE after Rome brought the region under its control.

• Kharpete: During the Byzantine period, especially from the 5th century onward, the region was known as Kharpete (Armenian: Kharberd, Քարպետ). The term means “Stone Castle,” referring to Harput Castle. The name Harput continued to be used in subsequent periods.

• Harput: With the Muslim conquests of the 7th century, the region’s name continued to be recorded as Harput in Arabic and Islamic sources. This name was preserved during the Seljuk, Artukid, and Ottoman periods.

• Ma’muretü’l-Aziz: In 1867, the city’s name was changed to Ma’muretü’l-Aziz in honor of Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz. This name means “The City Built by Aziz.”

• Elaziz: Over time, the name Ma’muretü’l-Aziz was shortened in everyday usage to Elaziz, which began appearing in official Ottoman documents during the late Ottoman period.

• Elazığ: After the proclamation of the Republic, during Atatürk’s visit in 1937, the city’s name was initially proposed to be changed to “El’azık,” but due to pronunciation difficulties, it was officially formalized as Elazığ. This name means “Land of Abundance” or “Fertile Lands.”

Elazığ is a historic city located in the Eastern Anatolia Region, within the Upper Euphrates Basin. To understand Elazığ’s history, one must examine the past of its origin, Harput. Harput has served as a home to various civilizations and is among the region’s oldest settlement areas. The current location of Elazığ emerged as a result of Harput losing its strategic importance in the 19th century and the city’s search for a new center.

The earliest settlement traces in the Elazığ and Harput region extend back to the Paleolithic Age. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Bronze Ages. It is known that the Hurrians settled in the region around 2000 BCE. During the Hittite period, Harput and its surroundings were referred to as “Išuwa.”

In the 9th century BCE, Harput came under Urartian dominance and developed as a fortified city, with Harput Castle being constructed during this period. One of the most significant artifacts left by the Urartians in the region is Palu Castle. With the decline of the Urartians, the Medes and Persians gained control of the area.

The region came under the control of the Roman Empire in 66 BCE and remained within Byzantine territory after the division of the Roman Empire in 395 CE. During the Byzantine period, Harput became an important military center, and its walls were reinforced. In the 7th century, the region became a battleground for Arab raids and frequently changed hands between the Umayyads and Abbasids and the Byzantines.

In the 7th century, the region came under Muslim control during the conquests under Caliph Umar. Muslim armies reached the Elazığ and Harput region in 639 and captured these territories from the Byzantines. However, due to Byzantine resistance and the region’s strategic importance, this control was intermittent.

During the Umayyad period, raids continued but permanent control was not achieved. Under the Abbasids, Byzantine dominance in the region significantly weakened, and by the 9th century, Harput began to come under Islamic administration. In the 10th century, Kurdish and Arab-origin states such as the Hamdanids and Mervanids gained control, but the region changed hands again following Byzantine counterattacks in the early 11th century. After the Seljuks’ decisive victory at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, permanent control was established, and Harput became part of Turkic-Islamic governance.

Following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Harput was conquered by the Çubukoğulları in 1085, and a beylik was established in the region. However, this beylik was short-lived, and in 1110, control was taken over by the Artuqids. The Artuqid period witnessed major architectural developments in Harput. The Harput Ulu Mosque, constructed during this time, is considered one of the most important Islamic monuments in the region. In 1234, Seljuk Sultan I. Alaeddin Keykubad took Harput from the Artuqids and incorporated it into Seljuk territory.

Harput was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1516 after Yavuz Sultan Selim’s campaign following the Battle of Chaldiran. During the Ottoman period, Harput was administered as a sanjak center subordinate to the Diyarbakır Eyalet. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city became an important center of trade and craftsmanship, with leatherworking, coppersmithing, and textiles being key economic activities.

In the mid-19th century, due to Harput’s fragmented topography and declining strategic importance, the Ottoman administration established a new settlement at Agavat Mezrası, the present-day location of Elazığ. In 1867, this settlement was named “Ma’muretülaziz” in honor of Sultan Abdülaziz, and over time, it became commonly known among the public as “Elaziz.”

After the proclamation of the Republic, the city’s name was changed to “Elazık” during Atatürk’s visit in 1937, and was later formalized as “Elazığ,” the name still in use today. During the Republican era, Elazığ underwent significant development in industry, trade, and education. The establishment of Fırat University in 1975 transformed the city into an educational center.

Today, Elazığ continues to be one of the key centers of Eastern Anatolia, thanks to its progress in industry, agriculture, and education. The historical heritage of Harput remains an inseparable part of Elazığ’s cultural identity.

Elazığ Province is located in the southwest of the Eastern Anatolia Region, specifically within the Upper Euphrates Section. Covering an area of approximately 9,151 km², or 1.2% of Turkey’s total land area, the province lies between 38°30’ and 40°21’ east longitude and 38°17’ and 39°11’ north latitude. This strategic location makes Elazığ one of the important transit points in the region.

To the east, it borders Bingöl; to the north, Tunceli via the Keban Dam Lake; to the west and southwest, Malatya via the Karakaya Dam Lake; and to the south, Diyarbakır. Including the provincial center, the province comprises 11 districts, 537 villages, and 709 mezra settlements, reflecting the diversity of the region’s socioeconomic structure and local governance. Natural boundaries are defined by various topographical features such as mountains, plains, and river valleys, shaping the province’s overall geographical structure.

Elazığ’s terrain is generally mountainous and rugged, although the city center is built on a relatively flat area.

Average elevation: 1,067 meters

Mountainous areas are found in the west and north, while plains lie in the south.

High mountain ranges are located in the districts of Baskil, Sivrice, and Maden, while relatively flatter areas are found in the central and Kovancılar districts.

• Hazar Baba Mountain (2,347 m)
• Akdağ (2,192 m)
• Mastar Mountains
• Kuşakçı Mountain

In Elazığ, arable plains and high plateaus play a significant role.

• Uluova: One of the most productive agricultural areas in the city.
• Muşar Plain: Located around the Keban district.
• Baskil Plain: One of the agricultural lands along the Euphrates River.

In addition, the eastern and northeast parts of Elazığ are covered by high plateaus, including:

• Harput Plateau
• Sivrice Plateau
• Kovancılar Plateau

Elazığ is one of the provinces through which the Euphrates River, one of Turkey’s largest rivers, flows. The Keban Dam and other water sources have shaped the region’s hydrological regime and ecosystem.

• Euphrates River: Flows from east to south of the city.
• Murat River: One of the main tributaries of the Euphrates, flowing through Elazığ and emptying into the Keban Dam.
• Peri River: Originates in Tunceli and joins the Euphrates within Elazığ’s territory.
• Haringet Stream: A stream flowing from Hazar Lake.

• Hazar Lake: One of Turkey’s important tectonic lakes, significant for summer tourism.
• Keban Dam Lake: One of Turkey’s largest artificial lakes, used for hydroelectric power generation.
• Sivrice Lake: One of the smaller lakes near the Sivrice district.

_{(Hazar Gölü).}

Elazığ generally has a continental climate, with cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -15°C.

The annual average precipitation is around 500–600 mm. However, the dam lakes surrounding the province (Hazar Lake, Keban Dam Lake, and Cip Dam Lake) contribute to local microclimatic effects, increasing humidity and moderating temperatures in certain areas. Topographic variation and altitude differences cause slight climatic variations between valleys and high plateaus, resulting in some areas having cooler conditions and others being more humid. These climatic differences have important implications for agriculture, livestock farming, and ecological balance in the region.

Vegetation: Steppe (bozkır) vegetation is widespread. Oak forests are found along the Euphrates River and in some mountainous areas. Irrigated agricultural lands have developed on plains and valley floors.

Elazığ possesses a geographically rich endowment of natural resources.

Minerals: Copper, fluorite, zinc, lead, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, iron, and tungsten are among the minerals found here.

Water Resources: Rivers such as the Murat River and Peri Stream are supported by large-scale projects like the Keban Dam.

Land Use:

50% pasture and meadow

28% agricultural land

12% forest areas

10% water surfaces

These natural resources enhance Elazığ’s economic, environmental, and ecological potential and play a vital role in the region’s sustainable development.

Elazığ lies on the Eastern Anatolia Fault Line and is therefore a region with high earthquake risk.

The 2020 Elazığ Earthquake (6.8 Mw) once again demonstrated the seismically active nature of the region.

The underground wealth of the region, particularly its mineral reserves, is especially noteworthy.

Elazığ has historically hosted diverse cultures and is notable for its geographical diversity and rich socioeconomic structure. Current demographic data reveal that the population is distributed unevenly across urban and rural settlements. This structure provides important insights into the lifestyles, economic activities, and local dynamics of the provincial center and surrounding districts.

According to TÜİK data, Elazığ’s total population is approximately 580,000 to 600,000. The majority of the population is concentrated in the provincial center, which offers modern infrastructure, education, healthcare, and commercial opportunities, while other districts exhibit lower population densities. This pattern highlights dynamic urban life in the city center and the persistence of traditional agricultural, livestock, and local production activities in rural areas.

Below are approximate population figures for Elazığ’s districts based on TÜİK and nufusu.com data:

• Elazığ Center: 277,000
• Karakoçan: 75,000
• Keban: 55,000
• Kovancılar: 57,000
• Maden: 41,000
• Palu: 35,000
• Sivrice: 31,000
• Arıcak: 11,000
• Ağın: 11,000

In Elazığ, population distribution is particularly concentrated around the provincial center. Modern urban amenities, education, healthcare services, and commercial opportunities support strong migration toward the city center, while traditional lifestyles, agricultural production, and livestock farming dominate in rural areas.

Urban migration is a significant factor in the demographic structure. Particularly, the tendency of the young population to move toward large metropolitan areas in search of broader employment and educational opportunities has led to migration flows from certain parts of Elazığ. This situation can cause temporary population declines in urban centers and reshape socioeconomic dynamics. However, local development projects and infrastructure investments are viewed as measures to counterbalance this migration trend.

• Of the 621 businesses registered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Elazığ, approximately 33% operate in the “Food and Beverage Manufacturing” sector.
• Additionally, “Manufacture of Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products” and “Furniture Manufacturing” are among the important sectors.

• Under the Eastern Anatolia Project (EAP), Elazığ is considered one of the priority sectors for industrial development.
• The city hosts two Organized Industrial Zones (OIZ), primarily focused on food and textile industries.
• On average, 31% of public investments in the province are allocated to Elazığ.
• Through investment incentives and support programs, the modernization and competitiveness of local industry are being enhanced.

• According to 2009 data, Elazığ ranked 64th among 81 provinces in terms of exports;
• Exports amounted to $30.06 million and imports to $37.19 million in 2009.
• In particular, mining products account for 85% of Elazığ’s exports, while the marble sector, with varieties such as “Elazığ Cherry,” attracts international attention.

• The total agricultural land in Elazığ is 264,180 hectares.
• The main annual crops are barley, sugar beet, and wheat.
• Irrigable agricultural land amounts to 213,659 hectares, of which 137,273 hectares are actively irrigated.

Mining Activities:

• Elazığ stands out due to its rich underground resources and mining activities.
• Modern technological infrastructure is employed to improve efficiency in mining and processing operations.
• Mining is considered a vital sector that boosts local employment and supports export potential.

• In Elazığ, livestock farming is conducted both for large and small animals, supported by extensive pasture areas and favorable climatic conditions.

Elazığ, located in the heart of Eastern Anatolia, offers multifaceted experiences to both domestic and international visitors through its rich historical past, unique natural beauty, and vibrant cultural life. The city combines historical areas bearing traces of ancient civilizations, regional cuisine, sports, and adventure activities.

Harput, symbolizing Elazığ, preserves the traces of ancient civilizations through its castles, walls, and settlement areas. Harput holds great importance for both academic research and tourism.

Elazığ’s Harput Cuisine stands out with its rich flavors derived from local recipes and ingredients.

• Karaleylek Canyon: This canyon showcases the power and beauty of nature and serves as an important site for hiking, nature photography, and exploration.
• Saklıkapi Canyon: This quiet, lesser-known natural formation appeals to nature walkers and adventure enthusiasts.
• Olbe Valley: Olbe Valley, noted for its rich vegetation and local ecosystem, is a valuable area for ecotourism and nature observation.

Water Resources:

• Hazar Lake: With its relaxing atmosphere, suitability for water sports, and surrounding picnic areas, Hazar Lake is one of the region’s prominent natural attractions.

Elazığ also attracts attention through nature-based sports and adventure activities:

• Paragliding: Paragliding launches from the city’s high points offer visitors adrenaline-filled moments and breathtaking views.
• Boat Tours: Boat tours on Hazar Lake provide opportunities for harmony with nature and relaxation on calm waters.
• Winter Sports: Hazarbaba Ski Center offers modern facilities and natural snow quality for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.

Elazığ’s public administration is carried out through the Governorship, representing the central government, and the Municipality, serving as the heart of local governance.

The Elazığ Governorship, as the representative of the Turkish Republic government, is responsible for implementing state policies, ensuring public order and security, and managing administrative affairs. The Governorship operates through directorates active in various fields such as education, health, public order, social services, and disaster management. According to current data, Numan Hatipoğlu serves as the Governor of Elazığ. The Governorship plays a crucial role in implementing and coordinating state policies at the local level.

Local governance in Elazığ is carried out through the Elazığ Municipality and the district municipalities. This structure is active in areas such as infrastructure, urban planning, social and cultural services, economic development, and environmental regulation.

According to the 2024 local election results, the mayoralty of the metropolitan municipality was won by AK Party candidate Şahin Şerifoğulları. Regarding district municipalities: AK Party won four districts (Ağın, Arıcak, Maden, Center); Yeniden Refah Party won three districts (Alacakaya, Palu, Sivrice); Nationalist Movement Party won two districts (Baskil, Keban); Democratic Party won one district (Karakoçan); and BBP won one district (Kovancılar).