Elazig history

Modern Elazig is a relatively young city, yet its history is inextricably linked to the ancient settlement of Harput, located nearby. Understanding the origins of Elazig is impossible without looking at its historical predecessor, which served as the center of this region for millennia.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the history of settlements in this region dates back to ancient times, the city of Elazig itself was founded in the 19th century. Officially, it was established in 1834 as a new administrative center. Initially, the city was named Mamuret-ul-Aziz (city built by Sultan Abdulaziz), but due to pronunciation difficulties, it was simplified over time to "El-Aziz," and in 1937, the modern name — Elazig — was approved.

Key Factors of Formation

The primary reason for the foundation and development of Elazig was the necessity to move the administrative center from the ancient city of Harput. This process was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: Harput was situated on a difficult-to-access mountain, creating significant challenges with logistics and, particularly, water supply. Elazig was founded on a fertile plain, which was far more convenient for living and administration.
• Administrative Reform: As part of the modernization of the Ottoman Empire, a decision was made to create a new, more modern and functional provincial center, which Elazig became.
• Trade: The new location on the plain facilitated the city's development as a regional trading hub, connecting various parts of Eastern Anatolia.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Elazig inherited the rich cultural heritage of Harput, which for centuries was home to various peoples and civilizations, including the Hurrians, Hittites, Urartians, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Harput Fortress, built as far back as the Urartian period, remains the most important historical monument of the region. With the transfer of the center to Elazig, the city quickly transformed into the administrative and economic core of the province, while Harput gradually became its historic suburb. The city's early economy focused on agriculture, trade, and crafts inherited from the masters of Harput.

Key Milestones in the History of Elazig

The history of modern Elazig is inseparably linked with the ancient city of Harput, which was the region's center for thousands of years. Below is a chronology of the most important events reflecting the rich past of this land.

• Around 2000 BC — The first known settlements in the Harput area were founded by the Hurrians.
• 9th–7th Centuries BC — The region becomes part of the powerful Kingdom of Urartu; during this period, the famous Harput Fortress is erected.
• 7th Century AD — The territory undergoes Arab conquests, marking the beginning of a new cultural era.
• 1085 — The Turkish commander Çubuk Bey conquers Harput, initiating centuries of Turkish influence in the region.
• 1113–1234 — The city becomes an important center under the rule of the Artuqid dynasty; during this time, the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) is built.
• 1234 — Harput becomes part of the Anatolian Seljuk State.
• 1243 — The Mongol invasion leads to the establishment of Ilkhanid rule over the region.
• 1465 — Power transitions to the Aq Qoyunlu Turkoman confederation.
• 1516 — Following the Battle of Chaldiran, Harput becomes part of the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Sultan Selim I.
• 1834 — A decision is made to move the administrative center from the difficult-to-access Harput to the fertile plain, where the modern city, initially named Mezre, was founded.
• 1866 — The new city receives the official name Mamuret-ul-Aziz (city built by Sultan Abdulaziz) in honor of the Ottoman ruler.
• 1937 — During a visit by the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the city receives its modern and final name — Elazig.

Stages of Formation and Development of Elazig

Modern Elazig, founded in the 19th century, has journeyed from a small administrative center to a vital economic and cultural hub of Eastern Anatolia. Its development was defined by several key transformations.

• Foundation as a New Administrative Center (1834). The transfer of the provincial capital from the ancient and inaccessible Harput to the fertile plain served as the starting point for urban and economic growth. This decision allowed for the creation of a modern city with more convenient logistics and living conditions.
• Construction of the Keban Dam (Foundation laid in the 1960s). This massive hydroelectric project on the Euphrates River fundamentally changed the region's economy. The dam not only provided the country with electricity but also created the vast Keban Reservoir, influencing the local climate, agriculture, and boosting the development of fisheries.
• Establishment of Firat University (1975). The founding of the university turned Elazig into a major educational and scientific center of the region. The institution began its history back in 1967 with the opening of a Higher Technical School. Today, Firat University attracts thousands of students, fosters innovation, and contributes significantly to the cultural and intellectual life of the city.
• Development of Industry and Agriculture. Elazig is an important center for agricultural production, specializing in the cultivation of grains, fruits, and vegetables. Alongside this, the mining industry (especially chrome ore extraction), metalworking, and food processing industries are developing in the city and province, strengthening its economic base.
• Transformation into a Transport Hub. Thanks to its strategic location, Elazig has become a crucial point connecting various parts of Eastern Anatolia. The development of the road network and infrastructure has contributed to the growth of trade and the city's accessibility.

The architectural appearance of Elazig represents a unique combination of ancient heritage and modern urban planning. Since the city itself was founded only in the 19th century, its buildings mainly reflect late Ottoman and Republican trends. However, its historical predecessor, the city of Harput, contributes much more ancient layers to this heritage.

Heritage of Harput: From Urartians to Seljuks

The architectural richness of the region is largely defined by the history of Harput, located on the mountain above modern Elazig. Structures from several key eras have been preserved here:

• Urartian Period: The foundation of the historical landscape is the Harput Fortress, established in the 8th century BC by the Kingdom of Urartu. This citadel, also known as the "Milk Castle," is the oldest surviving structure and demonstrates the power of ancient fortification technologies.
• Seljuk and Artuqid Periods: In the 12th century, under the rule of the Artuqid dynasty, the famous Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) was built. It is one of the oldest and most important structures in Anatolia, known for its leaning minaret and architecture reflecting the influence of the Seljuk style.

Late Ottoman Era and City Foundation

With the transfer of the administrative center from Harput to the plain in 1834, modern Elazig began to take shape. Its early architecture belongs to the late Ottoman period.

• Administrative Buildings: A striking example is the former Government Mansion, built in 1896. The building, made of cut stone with round-arched windows and stone ornaments, is a specimen of late Ottoman architecture.
• Traditional Houses: On Kazım Efendi Street, one can see restored examples of traditional Elazig-Harput houses. These structures, combining stone and wood, appeared in the late 19th century following the migration of residents from Harput and form the characteristic look of the historic part of the city. Historic Ottoman baths have also been preserved in the region; although not operational, they are important testimonies to the architecture of that time.

Republican Period Architecture and Modernity

With the formation of the Republic of Turkey in the 20th century, the architecture of Elazig, like the rest of the country, set a course for modernism and functionality. New public buildings, residential districts, and infrastructure facilities appeared in the city. A vivid example of modern urban planning is the Culture Park — a vast recreational area with an artificial pond, sports facilities, and an amphitheater, which has become the center of social life. Today's urban landscape consists predominantly of modern multi-story buildings, reflecting its role as a dynamically developing economic and university center of Eastern Anatolia.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Elazig

The city of Elazig and its historical predecessor, Harput, have gifted Turkey and the world many talented individuals in various fields — from science and art to politics and sports. Below are some of the most famous natives and figures whose lives were connected with this region.

Nevzat Tarhan (born 1952)

• Role: Psychiatrist, writer, and founder of Üsküdar University.
• Significance: One of the leading specialists in the field of neuropsychiatry in Turkey. His works and books on psychology, family relationships, and spiritual development enjoy great popularity. He made a significant contribution to the development of higher education by founding a specialized university in Istanbul.

Necati Şaşmaz (born 1971)

• Role: Actor, screenwriter, and producer.
• Significance: Gained nationwide fame thanks to the lead role of Polat Alemdar in the cult Turkish series "Valley of the Wolves" (Kurtlar Vadisi). Born in the Sivrice district of Elazig, he became one of the most recognizable faces in modern Turkish cinema.

Mustafa Keser (born 1945)

• Role: Singer, performer of Turkish folk and classical music.
• Significance: He is one of the most respected and popular performers in his genre. Born in the town of Maden (Elazig Province), he has been contributing to the preservation and popularization of Turkish musical heritage for decades.

Naci Görür (born 1947)

• Role: Geologist, seismologist.
• Significance: An outstanding specialist in tectonics and seismology, and a professor. His research and earthquake forecasts, especially in the Marmara Sea region, are of immense importance for Turkey's national security. He is one of the most cited and authoritative experts in his field.

Kadir Çöpdemir (born 1967)

• Role: Actor, TV and radio host, comedian.
• Significance: A popular media personality known for his humor and charisma. Born in Elazig, he achieved success through participation in numerous TV shows, films, and radio programs, becoming a public favorite.

Canan Karatay (born 1943)

• Role: Cardiologist, dietitian, author.
• Significance: Known for her unconventional views on nutrition and health, outlined in a series of popular books. Her dietary recommendations, known as the "Karatay Diet," sparked widespread public discussion and made her one of the most talked-about figures in Turkish medicine. She hails from historic Harput.

Fethi Sekin (1973–2017)

• Role: Police Officer.
• Significance: A national hero of Turkey who, at the cost of his own life, prevented a major terrorist attack at the courthouse in Izmir in 2017. His self-sacrifice saved many lives, and his name is immortalized in the names of schools, parks, and hospitals across the country. He was born in the Baskil district of Elazig.