“Mine” Population: 3,400
Most travellers will have absolutely no reason to stop in Maden, a curiosity of a small town between Elazığ and Erganı. It’s a curiosity because it’s a major source of Turkish copper which has been mined here since the 19th century although today it is no longer sold in its pure form. The two brick chimneys looming on the skyline are a reminder of the past mine, the modern factory complex its latest incarnation.
Maden offers no historic monuments of any interest; even the oldest mosque only dates back to the 1890s. However, the homes built into and up the hillside present a rather striking sight that reminded me of some of the mill towns of northern England. The oldest of them are built of stone or adobe brick, the newest inevitably of concrete.
Transport info
Frequent minibuses link Maden with Erganı and Elazığ where they leave from the Doğu Garaj.
