City guide
Malatya: Turkey’s Apricot Realm on the Malatya Plain
Malatya lies on the northern edge of the Malatya Plain, roughly 940 m above sea level and surrounded by mountains on three sides. The modern city, Yeni Malatya, is located near the ruins of Old Malatya and serves as the center of Turkey’s apricot production.
Fast facts
- Country
- Turkey
- Region
- Eastern Anatolia
- Population
- Approx. 800,000
- Elevation
- 1,040 meters
- Known for
- apricot orchards, ancient archaeological sites, traditional crafts
Malatya is best known as Turkey’s primary apricot hub, producing up to 80% of the country’s crop and earning the nickname “kayısı diyarı.” The city itself sits near both the historical site of Old Malatya and the more water-rich area of Yeni Malatya, built 7–8 km apart. The region’s landscape combines plains and mountains with highland districts such as Doğanşehir accessible via the D.850 state road and railway. Malatya experiences hot, dry summers and snowy winters, with recorded temperatures ranging from 42.7 °C to −22.2 °C. The city is served by Malatya Erhaç Airport (MLX), linking it to other parts of Turkey.
Apricots of Malatya
Malatya produces nearly 80% of Turkey’s apricots, making it the country’s main apricot center, with extensive orchards in surrounding plains.
Mountain Surroundings
The city sits at 940 m elevation, surrounded on three sides by mountains, with the Euphrates River about 15 km to the east.
Access and Connections
Malatya Erhaç Airport is the main gateway, while the D.850 road and railway link the city with highland districts and southern cities like Adana.
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