Northern shore of Lake Keban Population: 6,300
Old name: Kerar
Market day: Friday
If you’re travelling between Elazığ and Tunceli you are likely to use the Pertek ferry service to cross the lake created by the Keban Barajı (dam). It’s a short but scenic journey with Pertek Kalesi perched on a rocky island constantly in view – before the lake was formed it and the village of Eski Pertek actually stood on the shores of the Murat Nehri (river). Eski Pertek was relocated to the current site in 1838.
It’s no longer possible to visit the castle which appears to date back to the late 11th century when it was probably built by the Mengücek rulers. Rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 16th century, it has been extensively restored in modern times.
Sungur Bey Cami
Driving into Pertek you’d do well to avert your eyes from the concrete “mountain” complete with mountain goats and partridges that greets visitors. In the town itself the Sungur Bey Cami (1572) and similarly old Çelebi Ağa Cami give the impression that this was once an old town. In reality though the numbered stones in the walls of the mosque tell a different story.
Çelebi Ağa CamiUntil 1971 both mosques stood much closer to the castle but when the Keban Barajı threatened to drown everything the Middle East University (METÜ) in Ankara organised for all the stones to be carefully numbered so that the mosques could be rebuilt on higher dry land. Modern Pertek grew up around them although a few mouldering kerpiç (adobe) houses are reminders of the earlier move.
Transport info
There are minibuses from Elazıg and Tunceli to Pertek at least every half-hour during daylight hours.
Nearby areas
