Elazığ province straddles the upper reaches of both the Euphrates (Fırat) and Tigris tributaries — a region occupied continuously since the Chalcolithic period and home to Hittite, Urartian, Armenian, Byzantine and Ottoman layers of civilisation. The modern city is an agricultural and industrial centre; the real historical attractions are Harput and the natural landscape.
Elazığ is also known for its wines — the volcanic soil and continental climate produce distinctive red wines from Öküzgözü and Boğazkere grapes, varieties found almost nowhere else in the world.
- Region
- Eastern Anatolia / Upper Euphrates
- Ancient city
- Harput (5 km from modern Elazığ)
- Nearest city
- Malatya (100 km west)
- Known for
- Harput Castle, Hazar Lake, Öküzgözü wine, Buzluk Cave
Harput (Ancient City)
Harput, 5 km north of Elazığ, is one of the most atmospheric ancient sites in eastern Turkey — a medieval city on a rock outcrop at 1,300 m, largely abandoned in the 19th century when the population moved to the lower plains (modern Elazığ). The Harput Kalesi (castle), dating from Byzantine times and expanded by the Artukids, stands at the highest point; below it theUlu Cami (1156, Artukid) is one of the oldest mosques in eastern Anatolia, with an extraordinary carved portal. Several old stone houses, churches and a 12th-century medrese survive.
Hazar Lake
Hazar Gölü (Lake Hazar), 25 km south of Elazığ, is a deep volcanic crater lake at 1,248 m altitude — one of the most beautiful lakes in eastern Turkey. The lake sits in a dramatic valley between mountains; the water is clear blue and the shores have beaches and water sports facilities. Hazar is the source of the Tigris River — the ancient Mesopotamian river begins its journey here, from this high Anatolian lake.
Buzluk Cave
Buzluk Mağarası(Ice Cave), 10 km from Elazığ, is a natural cave where ice forms on the walls and stalactites year-round due to the cave’s unusual air circulation — in summer, cold air sinks from the mountains and freezes moisture in the cave; in winter, the cave is warmer and the ice melts. The effect is counterintuitive: the cave is coldest in summer. The ice formations are most spectacular between July and September.
Öküzgözü and Boğazkere Wine
The Elazığ region is Turkey’s most important wine-producing area for indigenous red varieties. Öküzgözü(Bull’s Eye) produces light, aromatic reds with low tannin; Boğazkere (Throat Burner) produces dense, tannic wines with high extract. The volcanic basalt soils of the Elazığ plateau give both varieties a distinctive minerality. Kavaklidere and Doluca both source significant quantities from this region; several local wineries offer tastings.
Elazığ in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Elazığ
3Fly from Istanbul to Elazığ Fethi Sekin Airport (1.5–2 hrs, several daily flights). Elazığ is a practical base for visiting both Harput and Hazar Lake; Malatya (Nemrut gateway) is 1.5 hours west by road.
Yes, especially the combination of the castle view and the Ulu Cami — among the oldest mosques in eastern Turkey. Harput is rarely crowded and has a genuinely atmospheric abandoned-city quality. Plan 2–3 hours for the site.
Easily — Malatya is 100 km west (1.5 hrs by road) and is the main departure point for Nemrut Dağı tours. Elazığ and Malatya make a natural 3–4 day eastern Anatolia circuit: Elazığ (Harput, Hazar Lake) + Malatya (Arslantepe) + Nemrut Dağı.