Historic clock tower in Türkiye’s Elazig symbolizes Sultan Abdulhamid II’s lasting legacy

The clock tower in Maden district, built in 1899 to commemorate Sultan Abdulhamid II’s 25th anniversary on the throne, stands as the sole surviving tower of its kind in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.

Initially constructed with 25 rows of cut stone and 25 rows of slag stone to mark the occasion, the structure has become a tourist attraction following its restoration by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2018, after years of deterioration.

Highlighting its historical significance, Suleyman Deniz Seyrek from the Copper Mine Culture, Tourism, Development, and Solidarity Association noted: ‘The Maden clock tower is among several built across Türkiye during that era, distinguished by its use of local slag stone and symbolic representation of the 25th anniversary in its architecture

Emphasizing its uniqueness, Seyrek stated: “This clock tower is the only one to have survived in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions, unlike those in Siirt and Mardin, which have not withstood the test of time. After extensive restoration in 2017, following severe deterioration, including the loss of its clocks and a roof collapse, the tower now proudly serves both residents and tourists, continuing to be a symbol of our district.”

This remarkable clock tower stands as a testament to historical preservation and cultural heritage, inviting visitors to witness its enduring legacy in the heart of Maden district.