Abstract:

Elazığ, located in the west of the Eastern Anatolia Region, has served as a bridge between east and west from prehistoric times to the present due to its geopolitical location. The region in Elazığ, where the Murat River and the Karasu River merge to form the Euphrates River, has hosted many cultures with its fertile plains and plains suitable for agricultural and vital activities from prehistoric times to the present day. Especially with the Early Bronze Age, there was an increase in the number of settlements in the plains. Since the Iron Age, there has been an increase in the number of castles and towers built on high hills due to efforts to control both road routes and fertile plains. Located on the east-west route, the city has been under the domination of important civilizations throughout history due to its strategic location. The first systematic archaeological excavations and surface surveys in Elazığ were carried out between 1968 and 1974 with the Keban Dam Project. It is seen that Elazığ, the best-researched region, will contribute to prehistoric studies with the information obtained from surface surveys conducted in recent years. In this respect, this study aims to make new contributions to the ancient history and archaeology of Elazığ by blending information from the past with information obtained from newly identified areas.

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