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5 places to visit in the Alacakaya district of Elazığ: Alacakaya Chrome Mine Area, Alacakaya Natural Scenery and Alacakaya Central Mosque. Plan your trip to Alacakaya with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Alacakaya is a district of Elazığ province with an area of 318 km². The settlement grew up around a plant set up by Etibank in 1935 to operate a mine. On 30 December 1986 it was turned into a town municipality, and on 20 May 1990 it became a district. The district produces cherry marble, which is exported to various parts of the world. In this mountainous area, the district centre lies on a flat area between hills.

Geography

The district covers 318 km² and has an average elevation of 1,146 metres above sea level. It borders Arıcak to the east, Maden to the west, Ergani and Dicle to the south, and Palu to the north.

History and Culture

Alacakaya grew up around the plant that Etibank set up in 1935. Demirkapı Caravanserai is cited as the only historic monument in the area. Alacakaya was granted district status on 20 May 1990.

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Places to Visit in Alacakaya

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Attraction

Alacakaya Chrome Mine Area

Alacakaya is home to one of Türkiye's important chrome ore deposits, and the district takes its name from these deposits. As industrial heritage, the mining sites reflect the economic history of the region.

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Nature

Alacakaya Natural Scenery

The mountainous terrain surrounding the district is covered with steppe vegetation and rocky formations. High plateaus attract nature photographers, especially in spring, when the steppe landscape is in flower.

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Religious

Alacakaya Central Mosque

The mosque in the district centre, with its simple architecture, reflects the mosque tradition of Eastern Anatolia. It is the centre of the district's religious and social life, and this building, an important cultural heritage for the people of Alacakaya, bears witness to the district's history.

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Nature

Sori Waterfall

The Sori Waterfall, whose water flow increases when the snow melts in spring.

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Historic

Demirkapı Caravanserai

A caravanserai in Çakmakkaya village, built under Murat IV during the Baghdad campaign.

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Places to Visit Around Elazığ Province

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While you are in Alacakaya, you can also see the highlights of Elazığ province. These places are in other districts; Alacakaya is about 90 km from the provincial centre.

  • Harput Castle (Milk Castle) — A castle founded by the Urartians in the 8th century BC, made up of an inner and an outer fortress.
  • Harput — A historic town on a plateau at 1,450 metres, 8 km north of Elazığ city centre; with its mosques, churches, tombs and mansions from the Urartian to the Ottoman period, it is an open-air museum.
  • Harput Grand Mosque — Built in 1156–1157 by the Artuqid ruler Fahrettin Karaaslan, this is one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia.
  • Meryem Ana Church (Church of the Virgin Mary) — A Syriac church built under a block of rock east of Harput Castle and dated AD 179 by its inscription.
  • Sarahatun Mosque — A mosque built in 1465 by the Aq Qoyunlu ruler Uzun Hasan in the name of his mother, Sara Hatun; it stands in Harput's Sara Hatun neighbourhood, from which Harput takes its name.
  • Kurşunlu Mosque — A mosque built in 1739 by Osman Ağa, the bey of Çarsancak.

Practical Information for Visiting Alacakaya

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Alacakaya

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  • Tandır Kebabı (clay-oven lamb)

    Prepared by slowly cooking lamb in a clay tandır oven for hours. Tandır kebab is made for special occasions and religious holidays in the villages of Alacakaya and is the most beloved dish of the region.

  • Bulgur Pilavı

    A pilaf made with fine or coarse bulgur, cooked with butter and tomato paste. Bulgur pilaf is a staple of Eastern Anatolian cuisine and is served alongside meat dishes.

  • Ayran Aşı (yoghurt and wheat soup)

    A traditional soup made with yoghurt, bulgur and mint, one of the winter dishes of Eastern Anatolia. In Alacakaya it is often eaten on cold winter days.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Alacakaya

  • Mining Tradition

    Alacakaya's chrome deposits have shaped the district's economic and cultural identity. The tradition of mining work is a way of life that has been carried on for generations.

  • Rural Eastern Anatolian Life

    Traditional rural Eastern Anatolian life continues in the villages of Alacakaya. A way of life based on livestock farming and agriculture is supported by social solidarity.

Local Products

  • Chrome Ore — Alacakaya is one of Türkiye's major chrome ore production centres. Mining activity forms the basis of the district's economy.
  • Livestock Products — Milk, cheese and yoghurt produced in the district, where small livestock farming is widespread, are made using traditional methods.

Economy

The economy of Alacakaya is based on chrome mining and livestock farming. The chrome deposits that gave the district its name are its main economic activity. Small livestock farming and limited agriculture are its other sources of income.

How to Get to Alacakaya

Alacakaya is 90 km from Elazığ city centre. It is reached by road via the Elazığ–Kovancılar route. Minibus services run from Elazığ.

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Alacakaya: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Alacakaya?

The five highlights of Alacakaya are: Alacakaya Chrome Mine Area, Alacakaya Natural Scenery, Alacakaya Central Mosque, Sori Waterfall and Demirkapı Caravanserai.

What should I eat in Alacakaya?

Tandır Kebabı, Bulgur Pilavı and Ayran Aşı are the standout dishes on Alacakaya's tables.

What is Alacakaya known for?

Alacakaya is known for its chrome mining and its mining tradition. Alacakaya is one of Türkiye's major chrome ore production centres. Mining activity forms the basis of the district's economy.

How do I get to Alacakaya?

Alacakaya is 90 km from Elazığ city centre. It is reached by road via the Elazığ–Kovancılar route. Minibus services run from Elazığ.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Alacakaya?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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