Historic Harput neighborhood stands strong amid powerful earthquakes

The historic Harput Neighborhood in Elazig, Türkiye, has withstood multiple earthquakes over the last three years, including a recent 5.9 magnitude quake felt in nearby Malatya.

Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 5,000-year-old district shows no signs of damage; not a single stone has been dislodged.

Area of historical significance

The Harput Neighborhood, renowned for its rich history, has experienced many seismic events since its establishment. Most notably, it endured a 6.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Elazig in 2020, followed by two significant quakes in Kahramanmaras in 2023, measuring 7.7 and 7.6.

Remarkably, even after these powerful disturbances, the area remains intact, with historic structures such as the Leaning Minaret, Harput Castle, and various tombs and traditional houses standing firm.

Surprising resilience in ancient locale

Residents and officials are astounded by the lack of damage in the neighborhood. Harput Neighborhood Mukhtar Mehmet Demir remarked, “We attribute the buildings’ ability to withstand these earthquakes to their solid construction. Structures built centuries ago are still standing tall. Not a single stone has fallen. This is a testament to the strength of the construction. We felt the last earthquake particularly strongly in Harput, but after inspecting the area, we found no issues. Both the Leaning Minaret and Harput Castle, among other historic buildings, are unharmed.”

As a neighborhood situated at an elevation of 1,200 meters, Harput has not only preserved its historical monuments but also its contemporary structures, further surprising onlookers and reinforcing the significance of robust architectural practices in earthquake-prone regions.

The Harput neighborhood’s enduring stability amid natural disasters highlights the importance of historical building techniques and the need for continued preservation efforts in Türkiye.