Elazığ (Province)

Elazığ is a province located at the heart of East Anatolia, distinguished by its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. In the past, this region served as a homeland to numerous civilizations including the Hittites, Urartians, Romans, and Byzantines, and has been known by various names throughout history; after being called Harput, Ma’muretü’l-Aziz, and Elaziz, it is now known as Elazığ. Modern’s economic structure is supported by sectors such as industry, agriculture, mining, and livestock, and is further highlighted by city, dynamic culture and tourism opportunities.

Etimology

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 different periods according to the linguistic and cultural influences of the ruling powers.

Prior to Islam

• İşuva (Išuwa): In Hittite sources from the 2nd millennium BCE, the region was known as İşuva. 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 (Sofene): During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the region was known as part of the Kingdom of Sophene. This name became widespread particularly after Rome took control of the area in the 1st century BCE.

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

Post-Islamic Period

• Harput: Following the Muslim conquests in the 7th century, the region’s name continued to appear 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. This abbreviated form began appearing in official Ottoman documents during the empire’s final years.

• Elazığ: After the proclamation of the Republic, during Atatürk’s visit in 1937, the city’s name was initially intended 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.”

History

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 Harput, its foundational settlement. Harput has served as a home to various civilizations throughout history and is among the region’s oldest inhabited areas. Elazığ’s current location emerged as a result of Harput’s declining strategic importance in the 19th century and the search for a new urban center.

Ancient Period and the Foundation of Harput

The earliest settlement traces in the Elazığ and Harput region extend back to the Paleolithic Era. 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 “İşuva.”

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

Roman and Byzantine Period

The region came under Roman control in 66 BCE and remained within Byzantine territory after the Roman Empire’s division in 395 CE. During the Byzantine era, Harput became an important military center and its fortifications were strengthened. In the 7th century, the region, vulnerable to Arab raids, frequently changed hands between the Umayyads and Abbasids and the Byzantines.

Muslim Conquests and Islamic Rule

In the 7th century, the region came under Muslim control during the caliphate of Omar. Muslim armies reached the Elazığ and Harput area in 639 and conquered these territories from the Byzantines. However, due to Byzantine resistance and the region’s strategic importance, this sovereignty time was interrupted at times.

During Umayyads, raids continued but permanent control was not established. 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 Marwanids gained control, but following Byzantine counterattacks in the early 11th century, the region changed hands again. After the Seljuks’ decisive victory at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, firm control over the region was secured, and Harput became part of Turkish-Islamic rule.

Seljuk and Beylik Period

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

Ottoman Period

Harput was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1516 after Sultan Selim I’s Çaldıran Campaign. During the Ottoman period, Harput was administered as a district center under the Diyarbakır Eyalet. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city became an important trade and craft center, with leatherworking, coppering, and textiles among its key economic activities.

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

Republican Era and Present

After the proclamation of the Republic, the city’s name was changed to “Elazık” during Atatürk’s visit in 1937, but 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 important educational center.

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

Geographical Structure

Location and Boundaries

Elazığ Province is located in the southwestern part 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, 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 region’s important transit points.

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

Land Structure and Elevation

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

Average rakı: 1067 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 Mine, while relatively flatter areas are found in the central and Kovancılar districts.

Important Mountains:

• Hazar Baba Dağı (2347 m)
• Akdağ (2192 m)
• Mastar Dağları
• Kuşakçı Dağı

Plains and Plateaus

Elazığ features significant agricultural plains and high plateaus.

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

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

• Harput Plateau
• Sivrice Plateau
• Kovancılar Plateau

Rivers and Lakes

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.

Important Rivers:

• Euphrates River: Flows from east to south of the city.
• Murat River: One of the main tributaries of the Euphrates, flowing through Elazığ into the Keban Dam.
• Peri Suyu: Originating in Tunceli, it joins the Euphrates within Elazığ’s territory.
• Haringet Çayı: A river flowing from Hazar Lake.

Important Lakes:

• 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.

Climate and Vegetation

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

Annual average precipitation ranges between 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 levels and providing milder conditions in certain areas. Topographic diversity and elevation differences cause slight variations in climate between valleys and high plateaus, resulting in cooler conditions in some areas and more humid conditions in others. These climatic variations have important implications for agriculture, livestock, and ecological balance in the region.

Vegetation: Steppe (steppe) plant 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.

Natural Resources

Elazığ possesses a rich geographical endowment of natural resources.

Mines: Copper, fluorite, zinc, lead, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, iron, and tungsten are among the minerals present.

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

Land Use:

50% meadow and pasture

28% agricultural land

12% forest areas

10% water surfaces

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

Earthquake Risk and Geology

Elazığ lies on the East Anatolian 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 area.

The region is particularly notable for its underground mineral reserves.

Demographics

Elazığ, situated within historical process, has 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 building provides important insights into the lifestyles, economic activities, and local dynamics of the provincial center and environment districts.

Total Population and Settlement Structure

According to TÜİK data, Elazığ’s total population ranges between approximately 580,000 and 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 city centers and the persistence of traditional agricultural, livestock, and local production activities in rural areas.

Population Distribution by District

The following approximate population values are 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

Demographic Trends, Socioeconomic Structure, and Urban Migration

Population distribution in Elazığ is particularly concentrated around the provincial center. Urban amenities such as modern living conditions, education, healthcare, and commercial opportunities support strong migration toward the city center, while traditional lifestyles, agricultural production, and livestock farming dominate rural areas.

Migration City holds a significant place in the demographic structure. The tendency of the young population to move toward major metropolitan areas in search of broader employment and educational opportunities has opened migration in certain regions of Elazığ. This trend can lead to temporary population declines in urban centers and the reshaping of socioeconomic dynamics. Nevertheless, local development projects and infrastructure investments are viewed as measures to counterbalance this migration trend.

Economy

Trade and Industrial Structure

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

Industry and Investments

• 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 all public investments in the province are directed to Elazığ.
• Investment incentives and support programs are enhancing the modernization and competitiveness of local industry.

Exports and Imports

• 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.
• Especially in the mining sector, Elazığ’s products constitute 85% of exports, while the marble sector, with varieties such as “Elazığ Cherry,” attracts international attention.

Agriculture

• Elazığ’s agricultural land is designated at 264,180 hectares.
• Barley, sugar beet, and wheat are the most extensively cultivated crops annually.
• Irriagable agricultural land covers 213,659 hectares, of which 137,273 hectares are actively irrigated.

Mining

Mining Activities:

• Elazığ stands out for its mining activities based on rich underground resources.
• Modern technological infrastructure is employed to improve efficiency in mining and processing operations.
• Mining is regarded as a vital sector that enhances local employment and supports export potential.

Livestock

• In Elazığ, livestock farming is conducted in both large and small animal forms, supported by extensive pasturelands and favorable climatic conditions.

Culture and Tourism

Elazığ, situated at the heart of Eastern Anatolia, offers multifaceted experiences to both domestic and foreign visitors through its rich historical past, unique natural beauty, and vibrant cultural life. The city integrates historical sites bearing traces of ancient civilizations, regional cuisine, sports, and adventure activities.

Historic Harput

Harput, symbolizing Elazığ, preserves the traces of the region’s past civilizations through its ancient castles, walls, and settlement remains. Harput holds significant value for both academic research and tourism.

Regional Cuisine – Harput Cuisine

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

Natural Beauties

• Karaleylek Canyon: This canyon showcases the power and beauty of nature and serves as an important destination for hiking, nature photography, and exploration.
• Saklıkapi Canyon: This quiet, lesser-known natural formation appeals to nature walkers and adventure seekers.
• Olbe Valley: With its rich vegetation and local ecosystem, Olbe Valley 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.

Sports and Adventure Tourism

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 skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports with its modern facilities and high-quality natural snow.

Administration

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

Central Representation

The Elazığ Governorship, as the representative of the Republic of Türkiye government, is responsible for implementing national policies, ensuring public order and security, and managing administrative affairs. The governorship operates through directorates overseeing 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

Local governance in Elazığ is conducted through Elazığ Metropolitan Municipality and district municipalities. This structure carries out activities in infrastructure, urban planning, social and cultural services, economic development, and environmental regulation across the city.

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 Welfare 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).