Elazığ Elazığ is located in Eastern Anatolian Region and is worth visiting with its historical and natural riches such as historical Harput castle, Hazar lake, Karakaya and Keban dam lakes, ski centers and Buzluk cave.

Castles Harput Castle Süt (Milk) Castle The historical Harput castle is located at the southeast section of the ancient city of Harput, at a position dominating the Elazığ plain. This historical castle was build during the Urartu period. The castle was conquered by Romans, Byzantines and Arabians. There are various legends centered about the historical castle. According to one rumor, milk was used instead of water at the construction of the castle as the component of the plaster and therefore the castle is also called as Süt (milk) castle.

Harput Castle

Mosques and Churches Mosques Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) The mosque was constructed by Artuklu Monarch Fahrettin Karaslan in 1156 - 1157 A.D in Harput. and is among the oldest and important structures of Anatolia. Kurşunlu Cami (Leaded Mosque) The mosque is the most beautiful representative of Ottoman Period mosques in Harput. Sara Hatun Cami (Lady Sara Mosque) The mosque was constructed by Sara Hatun, who was the mother of Akkoyunlu Monarch Bahadır Khan during the 15th century . The balcony of the mosque is among the most beautiful samples of stone craftsmanship. Although it was constructed as a külliye, only the mosque section is standing in the present day. Cimşit Hamam is an Ottoman period structure, located adjacent to Sara Hatun Mosque.

Ulu Cami (Great Mosque)

Churches Meryem Ana Kilisesi (Virgin Mary Church) The church is located at the left side of Harput Castle. It was constructed in 179 A.D . This church is also known as Kızıl Kilise (scarlet church), Süryani Church and Yakubi Church.

Meryem Ana Kilisesi (Virgin Mary Church)

Keban Dam Lake This lake is the biggest artificial lake in Turkey Keban Dam Lake This lake is the biggest artificial lake in Turkey. Commercial and sport fishing are found at Keban Dam Lake. There are numerous promenade places and fish houses at the shores of the Keban Dam Lake where the public can rest and enjoy the lake facilities. The surrounding area of the waterfall known as Çırçır Waterfall, which was formed during the formation of Keban Dam Lake has been designated a natural park and promenade area.

Keban Dam Lake

Geography The dominant climate in Elazığ Province is the typical of the region, cold and wet during the winter season, hot and dry during the summer season. However,due to the natural and artificial lakes around the city, some variations from the the regional norm is experienced.

History The city of Elazığ was founded among the skirts of the hill on which the historical Harput Castle was constructed in Eastern Anatolia. According to historical sources, the most ancient inhabitants of Harput was the Hurrian nation who settled in the Eastern Anatolia Region around 2000 B.C. Harput and its surrounding became part of the Turkish nation in 1085 A.D. following the Malazgirt battle August,26 in 1071. The Çubukoğulları, Artukoğulları, Akkoyunlular and Ottomans have reigned in the region.