An ancient settlement: Harput
Harput, located in the heart of Elazığ, is an ancient settlement that has hosted many civilizations over the past 4,000 years. Old sources refer to it as Kharberd or Xarpert, but its origin remains uncertain. The second part of the name is known to mean ‘fortress’ in Armenian, while the meaning of the first part is still unclear. Some suggest that the name originates from a rocky fortress, while others associate it with a Hurrian word meaning ‘road’ or ‘path.’ Another theory links it to a goddess in Hittite and Hurrian beliefs. Despite these varying theories, there is no definite etymology for Harput. The area bears traces of occupation by the Urartians, Hittites, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, giving it the feel of an open-air museum. Harput Castle, the region’s symbol, was built during the Urartian period and remained in use through Byzantine, Artuqid, and Ottoman times. According to local legend, a severe water shortage during its construction led to milk being used as a substitute for water in the mortar. As a result, the castle became known as the “Milk Castle.” Daily milk, gathered from sheep and cattle herds, was transported via wooden channels specially carved for this purpose and added to the mixture. The castle’s walls, hidden tunnels, cisterns, and stonework have left a lasting impression on the region’s collective memory. The leaning minaret of Harput’s Ulu Mosque, which tilts even more than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, stands as another symbol of Harput’s heritage. The Church of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the year 179, is another remarkable structure and is considered one of the oldest Christian worship sites in Anatolia. The tradition of Kursubasi, where people gather on long winter nights to share stories, songs, and conversations, was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. In 2018, the Historic City of Harput was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List. With its castle, mosque, church, and traditional houses standing side by side, this layered heritage highlights Harput’s historical and cultural significance in Anatolia on an international level.
Harput cuisine in the autumn season
Harput’s culinary culture, as rich as its history, becomes especially significant in the autumn months. Local products and seasonal ingredients shape the cuisines of Elazığ and Harput, giving them authentic flavors. As autumn arrives, kitchens come alive as people prepare for winter. One of the region’s most delicious breads, the tandoor bread, is baked in large clay ovens during autumn. When stored properly, it stays fresh throughout the winter. After the grape harvest, a walnut-filled sweet called “orcik” is made using the freshly picked grapes. Additionally, sheets of dried grape and mulberry pulp are prepared; vegetables are laid out to dry, and “tarhana” is cooked. All these steps are essential preparations for the cold months ahead.
Meat dishes like the famous Harput köfte, a local twist on stuffed meatballs, bring comforting warmth with their spices. Soups such as “lobik” and “kelecos” offer soothing flavors perfect for cool autumn evenings. When you visit Harput this season, you experience a cultural richness that appeals to the eyes, the spirit, and the palate.
Traveling to Harput in autumn and exploring the area
Getting to Harput is quite simple, since it’s only six kilometers north of downtown Elazığ. There are regular minibuses and buses; by car, the trip takes about ten minutes. In autumn, the road winding through rows of yellowing trees adds an entirely different charm to the drive. Thanks to frequent flights from Türkiye’s major cities to Elazığ Airport, traveling to Harput by air is straightforward. Once you arrive in the city center, a short ride takes you up to the historic streets.
The area around Harput displays its own beauty in autumn. During grape harvest season, visitors can join in grape picking, watch the preparation of local products, and enjoy nature walks, creating unforgettable memories. Short cultural trips to Malatya and Tunceli give travelers a chance to see the region from different angles. This way, visitors not only walk through Harput’s historic streets but also experience the vibrant colors and flavors of autumn in the surrounding countryside.
Harput’s blend of history, culture, and nature, along with its easy accessibility, makes it an ideal place for anyone looking to explore the area during autumn. Walking through its ancient streets in the quiet of autumn, you feel both the echoes of past civilizations and the warmth of Anatolian hospitality. To experience Harput’s autumn atmosphere, rich in history, culture, and local flavors, you can check Turkish Airlines flights to Elazığ and start planning your trip.
