Elazig, founded in the 19th century, lies on a plain in the shadow of a mountain crowned with the ancient citadel of Harput. Destruction wrought by several earthquakes and the relatively recent construction of Elazig has led to most of the population of Harput deserting it for the modern city. Several Seljuk mosques remain, however, which are worth visiting. The Keban and Karakaya Dams on the Firat river have created huge artificial lakes, dramatically altering the surrounding environment.

SITES OF INTEREST: Zafran forest recreation area, Shores of Hazar Lake and Keban reservoir lake, Harput, Hestek and Palu castles, Virgin Mary Church and Surp Kevors Monastry, Yusuf Ziya Pasha complex, Harput and Palu Grand Mosques, Esadiye (Aslanlı), Sârâ Hatun, Kurşunlu, Ağa, Ahmed Bey and Center mosques, Hacı İbrahim Şah Inn, Denizli Inn which is also known as Vakıf Han, Murad IV Inn, Karamara Bridge, Ahi Musa, Cemşid Bey small mosques and mausoleums, Alacalı Mescit, Elazığ Archeology and Ethnography Museum and Harput Museum.