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9 places to visit in the Baskil district of Elazığ: Kara Leylek Canyon, Mar Ahron Monastery and Baskil Castle. Plan your trip to Baskil with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Baskil is a district of Elazığ province in the Eastern Anatolia Region, and the town that is the district’s centre.

Nature and Tourism

The district has the Kara Leylek Canyon, suited to nature tourism. Its cultural assets include the Abdulvahap Tomb, the Zeynep Tomb, the Hasan Baba Tomb and the Teslim Abdal Tomb. The historic Mar Ahron Monastery lies close to the Euphrates River.

Economy

The economy of the district is largely based on farming and livestock. The main agricultural product grown is apricots. Cattle and sheep rearing is the main form of livestock farming.

History and Culture

The old Baskil quarter is where the district was first founded, in 1926. In 1933 the district centre was moved to its present site, a move in which the railway played a role. The Urartians took Baskil and its surroundings in 805 BC. Because Baskil is a town founded in the Republican era, it has no old cultural facilities.

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Places to Visit in Baskil

  • 4 Historic
  • 2 Religious
  • 3 Nature

Historic Sites 4

Historic

Mar Ahron Monastery

A historic monastery close to the Euphrates River.

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Historic

Baskil Castle

The historic castle ruins near the district, which bear traces of the area's earlier settlements. Used in different periods because of its strategic position, the castle is notable for its surrounding views.

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Historic

Baskil Historic Fountains

Ottoman-period fountains in the district centre and in villages, which have historic value for their stonework and inscriptions. They are fine examples of the region's water architecture.

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Historic

Kömürhan Caravanserai

A caravanserai built between 1623 and 1640, where coal transported across the Euphrates by raft was stored.

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Religious Buildings 2

Religious

Baskil Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque in the district centre has Ottoman-period architectural features. Notable for its stonework and simple architecture, the mosque is the most important religious building in the district.

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Religious

Abdulvahap, Zeynep and Hasan Baba tombs

Tombs mentioned among the district's cultural assets.

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Natural Wonders 3

Nature

Kara Leylek Canyon

A canyon in Baskil district suited to nature tourism.

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Nature

Baskil Plains

The fertile plains surrounding the district offer suitable land for grain and fruit farming. In spring the plains turn green, reflecting the agricultural richness of the region.

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Nature

Saklıkapı Canyon

A karst canyon about 4 km long, one end of which opens onto the Euphrates.

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Places to Visit Around Elazığ Province

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While you are in Baskil, you can also see the highlights of Elazığ province. These places are in other districts; Baskil is about 45 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 Baskil

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

What to Eat in Baskil

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  • Harput Köftesi (bulgur and mince meatballs)

    Made with fine bulgur and minced meat, Harput köftesi is cooked in water with a tomato sauce. A traditional dish of the Elazığ region, it is never missing from tables in Baskil.

  • Tandır Kebabı (clay-oven lamb)

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

  • Kayısı Tatlısı (syrup-soaked dried apricots)

    Made by filling dried apricots with walnuts and soaking them in syrup. This dessert, made with apricots grown in Baskil, is one of the region's traditional delicacies.

  • Kayısı (apricots)

    Apricots stand out as the main agricultural product grown in the district.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Baskil

  • Farming Culture

    Baskil's fertile plains are a region that has been farmed for centuries. Cereal, fruit and vegetable farming form the basis of the district's traditional way of life.

  • Traditional Handicrafts

    Kilim and carpet weaving continue as traditional crafts in the villages of Baskil. Handmade textiles are an important part of the region's cultural heritage.

Local Products

  • Kayısı (apricots) — Apricots grown in line with Baskil's climate are eaten fresh and dried. They are one of the region's important fruit products.
  • Cereal Products — Wheat and barley grown on the fertile plains are Baskil's main agricultural products. Flour and bulgur are produced.

Economy

The economy of Baskil is largely based on farming and livestock. Wheat, barley and apricots are the main agricultural products. Small and large livestock farming are important sources of livelihood. Its location close to Malatya gives it a commercial advantage.

How to Get to Baskil

Baskil is 45 km from Elazığ city centre. The district, on the Elazığ–Malatya highway, is easily reached from both cities. Minibus services run from Elazığ.

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Baskil: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Baskil?

The nine highlights of Baskil are: Kara Leylek Canyon, Mar Ahron Monastery, Baskil Castle, Baskil Plains, Baskil Grand Mosque, Baskil Historic Fountains, Saklıkapı Canyon, the Abdulvahap, Zeynep and Hasan Baba tombs, and Kömürhan Caravanserai.

What should I eat in Baskil?

Harput Köftesi, Tandır Kebabı, Kayısı Tatlısı and Kayısı are the standout dishes on Baskil's tables.

What is Baskil known for?

Baskil is known for its Apricots and its Farming Culture. Apricots grown in line with Baskil's climate are eaten fresh and dried. They are one of the region's important fruit products.

How do I get to Baskil?

Baskil is 45 km from Elazığ city centre. The district, on the Elazığ–Malatya highway, is easily reached from both cities. Minibus services run from Elazığ.

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

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

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