Maden is a district of Elazığ province, located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. It is approximately 80 kilometers away from the provincial center. It is surrounded by Ergani district of Diyarbakır to the south, Alacakaya district of Elazığ to the west, Sivrice district to the north, and Palu district to the east. The district covers an area of approximately 819 km². Due to its geographical location, it has a mountainous and rugged structure. As of 2023, the population of Maden district center is 3,761, and its total population is 9,693. There is 1 town (Gezin) and 38 villages affiliated with the district.
Maden sunset (Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)
History
Maden district has hosted many civilizations throughout history. The first traces of settlement in the region date back to 2000 BC. Maden, which was influenced by civilizations such as the Hittites, Urartians, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines, came under Turkish rule in 1085. After the Battle of Manzikert, the district became a settlement area for Turkish tribes spreading throughout Anatolia, first coming under the rule of the Artukids, then the Akkoyunlus, and finally the Ottoman Empire.
During the Ottoman period, Maden was a sub-district within the Sanjak of Ergani and gained district status in 1870. The district remained part of Diyarbakır province until 1936, after which it was connected to Elazığ province. The name “maden” (meaning mine) given to the district originates from the rich copper and other mines operated in the region throughout history.
Geographical Structure
Maden district has a mountainous and rugged topography. Important elevations in the district include Mount Şahmiran and Çakmaktepe. The Maden Stream, one of the branches of the Euphrates River, passes through the district. The region has a terrestrial climate, with hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. The natural vegetation generally consists of steppes and scattered forest areas. One of the important natural beauties of the district is the shore of Lake Hazar within the borders of Gezin town.
Administrative Structure and Settlement
Maden district consists of a total of 39 settlement units, including the center, Gezin town, and 38 villages. Gezin, which had district status until 2013, was thereafter connected to Maden as a town. A dispersed settlement pattern prevails in the district center and villages. Transportation is provided via the highway connecting the district to Elazığ.
Population and Economy
As of 2023, the population of Maden district center is 3,761, and the total district population is 9,693. A significant portion of the population lives in rural settlements. A decrease in population has been observed, especially due to migration movements after 1980. Besides economic reasons, the geographical structure of the district and limited employment opportunities have also contributed to the population decline.
Maden district is historically an important settlement due to its mineral resources, from which it takes its name. It is known that various metallic minerals, especially copper ore, have been exploited here. However, mining activities are currently limited. The district's economy is largely based on livestock farming and small-scale agricultural activities. Barley, wheat, and forage crops are prominent in agricultural production. Livestock farming involves the raising of cattle and small ruminants. In recent years, Gezin town and the area around Lake Hazar, which have tourism potential, contribute to economic activity during the summer months.
Education and Health
The district has educational institutions at various levels affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. State schools operate at kindergarten, primary, secondary, and high school levels. Transported education is provided for students in rural neighborhoods. Vocational and technical schools are also available in the district. Education services are coordinated by the Maden District National Education Directorate.
In Maden district, health services are provided through a state hospital, family health centers, and health clinics. The district has 1 state hospital and various health units. Additionally, there are health houses in Gezin town and some villages. Due to a lack of specialist doctors and equipment, some advanced health services are referred to the Elazığ provincial center.
Transportation
Maden district is located on the highway connecting Elazığ to Diyarbakır. Transportation to the district is provided by regular bus and minibus services from Elazığ and Diyarbakır provinces. The nearest airport to the district is in Elazığ. While railway transportation was important in the past, active passenger transport is not carried out today. Village roads connected to the district are asphalted and stabilized, and access to some settlements becomes difficult during winter months.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
Maden district is rich in cultural heritage with its historical copper mining operations and Ottoman-era structures. The Maden Clock Tower, Hacı Hasan Mosque, and various inns in the district center are noteworthy. Additionally, historical aqueducts, fountains, and ancient settlement ruins are also found in the district. A significant portion of historical settlements is directly related to past mining production. Various cultural events are also organized in the district.
Maden Clock Tower (Maden Municipality)
Gezin with Lake Hazar View (Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)
