city, eastern Turkey. It lies at the foot of a plateau overlooking a fertile plain. Originally founded as an Ottoman military garrison and administrative centre after the mid-19th century, the city grew rapidly as a result of its favourable location. Modern Elazığ, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, is an important trading centre for the crops and livestock of the area; it is noted also for its wine. It is the home of the Euphrates University, founded in 1975. Pop. (2000) 266,495.