General Information about Elazığ
Located in Eastern Anatolia, Elazığ is a city rich in history, natural beauty, and gastronomy. With a population of about 595,000 (2024 data), it is well-known for Keban Dam, Hazar Lake, and Harput, the city’s historical center.
The city’s history goes back to the 2nd millennium BC, with civilizations such as the Hurrians, Urartians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Harput was once an important cultural and commercial hub of the Ottoman Empire, and today it remains the symbol of Elazığ’s heritage.
Elazığ is also famous for its grapes, wine, and walnut sausage (orcik). Agriculture, livestock, and trade dominate its economy, while tourism has been growing thanks to better transport connections.
Places to Visit in Elazığ
- Harput Castle: An ancient fortress dating back to the Urartians.
- Great Mosque of Harput (Ulu Camii): One of the oldest mosques in Anatolia.
- Sara Hatun Mosque: A 15th-century Ottoman mosque.
- Keban Dam: One of the largest dams in Turkey.
- Lake Hazar: A freshwater lake with beaches and water sports.
- Buzluk Cave: Unique for being cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Çırçır Waterfall: A natural beauty near Keban.
- Virgin Mary Church: Located in Harput, reflecting the city’s multicultural past.
- Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum: Showcasing regional artifacts.
- Ağın & Baskil: Districts known for natural beauty and local products.
Elazığ Bus Terminal
The Elazığ Intercity Bus Terminal connects Eastern Anatolia with the rest of Turkey.
- Ticket offices for national and regional bus companies
- Comfortable waiting lounges
- Restaurants and cafés
- Minibus services to districts
Travel times: Istanbul–Elazığ (~15–16 hours), Ankara–Elazığ (~10 hours), Malatya–Elazığ (~1 hour), Diyarbakır–Elazığ (~2.5 hours).
What to Eat in Elazığ?
Elazığ has one of the richest cuisines in Anatolia, with over 150 traditional dishes.
- Orcik (Walnut Sausage): The city’s signature sweet.
- Stuffed Meatballs (İçli Köfte): A bulgur and minced meat dish.
- Analı Kızlı Soup: A traditional soup with meatballs.
- Harput Köftesi: A yogurt and meatball specialty.
- Kellecoş: Bread and meat stew.
- Dolanger: A syrup-soaked pastry.
- Gömme: A mix of flour, yogurt, and meat.
- Pestil & Walnuts: Made from local vineyards.
How to Get to Elazığ?
- By Bus: Frequent connections from Istanbul, Ankara, and other cities.
- By Air:Elazığ Airport (12 km) offers direct flights to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
- By Train: Connected by the Eastern Express line.
- By Car: Istanbul–Elazığ 1,050 km (~15 hours), Ankara–Elazığ 770 km (~10 hours), Malatya–Elazığ 100 km (~1 hour).
Bus Companies Operating in Elazığ
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Elazığ Murat Turizm
- Has Bingöl Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Öz Elazığ Turizm
