Alacakaya (District)

Alacakaya is a district of Elazığ Province in Türkiye. Granted district status in 1990, Alacakaya is located approximately 85 kilometers from the provincial center. Situated in the southeast of Elazığ, it is surrounded by the districts of Maden, Palu, Arıcak, Ergani, and Dicle. Alacakaya is connected to the provincial center by an asphalt road and comprises 12 villages.

History and Settlement

The history of Alacakaya as a district is relatively recent. The region’s settlement history is tied to chromite ore extraction that began in the 1930s. In 1935, Etibank established a facility for the extraction and processing of chromite ore, which led to the settlement of workers in the area. As the chromite operation expanded, Alacakaya became a town in 1987 and attained district status in 1990.

The name Alacakaya originates from a town established in 1987 through the merger of the village of Guleman, located approximately 2 kilometers from the current district center. The settlement of the district center is closely linked to the chromite mining area. The mine, which began operations in 1939 under the name Şarkkromları T.A.Ş., operated thereafter as the Etibank Mahdut Mesuliyetli Şarkkromları İşletmesi Müessesesi.

Elazığ Alacakaya Cherry Marble (AA)

Economy and Natural Resources

Alacakaya District is an economically significant center due to its rich natural resources. Chromite ore and marble extraction are the primary economic activities in the district. Chromite ore has played a vital role in the region’s economic development.

The cherry marble, produced since 1984 and recognized worldwide as a prestigious natural stone, is exported exclusively from Elazığ and Alacakaya District.

This marble, known internationally as “Elazığ Chery,” “Rosso Levanto,” and “Rosso Lepannto,” distinguishes itself through its unique color and quality. Its use in spaces between the Safa and Merve hills near the Holy Kaaba and the White Palace has enhanced its international prestige.

Due to its aesthetic appearance and distinctive elegance, this marble is preferred in prestigious locations around the world and is exported to numerous countries, including China, the United States, Italy, Canada, and Russia. The marble industry, alongside other marble types produced in the district, accounts for approximately 8 percent of the local economy. Cherry marble, Alacakaya’s most important brand value, remains a fundamental factor in the district’s recognition, both economically and culturally.

Cultural and Natural Heritage

Alacakaya District features significant structures as part of its cultural heritage, including the historic Murat Han and Demirkapı Han. The district also attracts attention for its natural beauty. Along the Elazığ-Alacakaya highway at the Sori location, there is a waterfall, and approximately 3 kilometers from the district center lies a small lake named Gölalan.

Additionally, with the completion of the Dicle King’s Daughter Dam, Alacakaya has the potential to become a desirable summer resort destination, offering a natural and tranquil environment.

Population

According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the population of Alacakaya District was recorded as 7,154 in 2013. By 2019, the total population including surrounding villages was approximately 6,151.

Historical Administrative Processes

Turkish rule in the region began during the Seljuk period. Following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the area came under the administration of various beyliks successively, including the Çubuk Oğulları, Artuk Oğulları, Anatolian Seljuks, Dulkadir Oğulları, Akkoyunlus, and Safavids. After the Battle of Chaldiran in the 16th century, the region was incorporated into Ottoman territory by Yavuz Sultan Selim and remained under the governance of Cimşit Bey and his descendants.

Order for a tombstone from the United States to an Elazığ cherry marble producer (AA)