Maden

Maden is a district town in southeastern Elazığ Province, historically important as a centre for copper mining — its name literally means "mine" in Turkish. The town lies in a narrow valley and has a population of around 5,000. Copper extraction has been active here since antiquity and the town remains defined by its mining heritage, though production has declined in recent decades. The surrounding hills are scarred with old workings, and the town's infrastructure reflects its industrial past.

The climate is continental with hot dry summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting.

By Plane

Elazığ Airport (EZS IATA) about 55 km north is the nearest.

By Car / Road

Maden is reached via a local road branching south from the D300 highway, about 10 km off the main route. Dolmuşes run from Elazig (about 1 hour).

The town is small and walkable. The mining area is a short walk from the centre.

• Historic mining district — Remnants of old copper mining infrastructure including tunnels, headframes and processing buildings.

• Valley setting — The town sits in a scenic narrow valley typical of Eastern Anatolia.

• Local mosque — A simple but characteristic Anatolian village mosque.

• Mining heritage walk — Explore the old mining area and learn about the town's industrial history.

• Hill hiking — The slopes around town offer short hikes with valley views.

Small lokantas serve simple Turkish meals — çorba, kebabs and pide.

A few tea houses cater to locals and the occasional visitor.

Basic guesthouse accommodation is available.

Basic shops in the town centre sell food and household goods.

• Elazig — 55 km north, the provincial capital with Harput Castle and Lake Hazar.
• Ergani — 50 km south, in Diyarbakır Province.
• Sivrice — 25 km north, on Lake Hazar.