Elazig,
founded in the 19th century, lies on a plain
inthe shadow of a mountain crowned with the
ancient city of Harput's citadel, an important
Seljuk and Ottoman cultural and academic
center. The destruction of several earthquakes
and the relatively recent construction of
Elazig has led to most of Harput's population
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. Twenty-five kilometers south of
Elazig, the lovely and tranquil Hazarlake
invites relaxation.
High mountains encircle Tunceli, 133 km north
of Elazig on the Elazig-Erzurum road. On the
way, stop off to see the fortress of Pertek,
built in the Middle Ages and stillin good
condition today. In the Munzur Valley National
Park near Ovacik, 60 km northwest of Tunceli,
you can fish in rushing, trout-filled streams
while enjoying the amazing scenery.