Elazig City Guide

Elazig City Guide

Elazig is situated on the upper part of Euphrates River in the Eastern Anatolia. The city as a settlement area has a recent history dating back to the 19th century. However, Elazig is the extension of the historical Harput city and hold a history going back to 2000 B.C. Being mine and mineral rich, the city has a developed industry and harbors the biggest hydroelectric power plant of Turkey.

Tourist Attractions

Most of the historical artifacts, monuments and works within the borders of the city are found in Harput. Standing as an important settlement place throughout the history, Harput was one of the favored cities. However, it was carried to a new settlement field, now named Elazig, in the wake of the urbanization philosophy. When travelling Harput you will set forth on a journey towards the history.

Harput Castle was constructed by Urartians. This splendid structure is composed of two parts as inner and outer castle.

The Virgin Mary Church placed on the left of the Harput Castle is one of the oldest Syrian churches built in 6th century A.D. The church also named as Syrian Church, Kizil (Reddish) Church and Yakubi Church, has hidden ways opening on to the castle.

Ulu Mosque being the oldest work in Harput was constructed in 1156-1157 A.D. You should see this divergent historical structure. Sarahatun, Alacali, Kursunli and Aga Mosques are the other main historical mosques in Elazig.

Elazig Archeology and Etnography Museum is on the campus of Firat University. It is one of the most important museums of Turkey. You should experience it.

Hazar Lake reflects the natural beauty of Elazig. Taking place at the southeast of the city, 25 km away from the centrum, the lake is a tectonic one having 22 km length and an area of 86 km².

Also, Keban Dam being one of the biggest dam lakes of Turkey and Buzluk (Ice) Cave are superb places that you should travel before leaving Elazig.

Culture & Entertainment

Elazig has one of the richest collections of folk dances in Turkey. Cayda cira known as Candle Dance worldwide is the most popular folk dance of Elazig-Harput culture. Although the importance of handicrafts is fading away with the development of new technologies you will still realize some handicrafts produced in the city. Needle handicraft, carpet weaving, copper art are among the works being prevalent in the city.

The economy of the city is based on industry, agriculture and commerce. Animal husbandry is pretty developed. The savannas of the city are highly fertile. A great deal of food such as walnut, mulberry and almond is cultivated at these areas.

Mountain, hunting and winter tourism to be developed in the city bring the city in the foreground for nature tourism.

Hazarbaba Mountain with 2.347 meters height at the south of the city and Mount Mastar with 2.171 meters height at the east are convenient places for mountain and nature tracking. The Hazarbaba Ski Centrum placed at Hazarbaba Mountain is proper for skiing. Also, hunting and fishing is prevalent at the city.

Additionally, Hazar Lake is popular for summer tourism and camping.

Food & Drink

Elazig has nearly 150 kinds of foods most of which is unique to the city. Cedene coffee of the city is famous. Also, Orcikli Sugar is special to the city.

Elazig's traditional foods: Kellecos, isgene, Harput kofte, tas (stone) bread, cheese bread, fodula, gomme, ufalama, sogurtme, iskin, pirpirim, hesude, kaygana, pestil eggs, dolanger, kalbur hurma, dilber dudagi...

Buzbag Red Wine is popular in the domestic and foreign markets. The city is pretty great for growing grapes. This condition created the worldwide famous Busbag Red Wine.

Shopping

Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, Elazig is a significant trade center of the region so that it provides most of the crops and livestock of this part of Anatolia. Akgun Center is one of the most important shopping malls of the city. You will be able to find authentic and general goods in this shopping place.