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Bolu Province

Bolu is a province in north western in the Black Sea region of Turkey, midpoint between the large cities of Istanbul and Ankara. It covers an area of 7,410 km², and the population is 270,417.

This is an attractive forested mountain district centred on the city of Bolu, which has a long history.

There is plenty of forest but little agricultural land. There is some garden produce and dairy production including good cheeses and cream, most of this is consumed or sold locally, especially as Bolu has a large passing trade: Bolu Mountain is the major topographical obstacle on the Istanbul-Ankara highway, and until 2007, when the Bolu Mountain Tunnel is being opened, most travellers stop here for food and refreshment. Bolu has a long tradition of high quality cuisine. Annual cookery competitions are held in Mengen.

The forests, lakes and mountains are rich in wildlife including wild boar and very popular weekend and holiday retreats for walkers and climbers.

Parts of the province are vulnerable to earthquakes.

Districts

Bolu province is divided into 9 districts (capital district in bold):

• Bolu
• Dörtdivan
• Gerede
• Göynük
• Kıbrıscık
• Mengen
• Mudurnu
• Seben
• Yeniçağa

Places of interest

• Lake Abant, attractive mountain lake resort and hot springs.
• Yedigöller National Park - The name means seven lakes in Turkish and there are at least that many in this well-known forest park.
• The Köroğlu mountains, said to be the scene of the folk Epic of Köroğlu
• There are many hot springs and mineral baths in the province (kaplıcaları in Turkish)
• Kartalkaya - one of Turkey's most popular ski resorts
• Sarıalan - a lake high in the mountains above Kartalkaya
• The Aladağ mountains, especially the walking and picnic area of Gölcük.
• Seben Çeltikler
• Göynük Akşemseddin Mausoleum

Attractive towns include:

• Mudurnu (the ancient town of Modrenea)
• Mengen
• Gerede

External links

• Bolu Weather Forecast Information (English)
• Informations and photos about Bolu City (English)

Coordinates: 40°40′45″N, 31°33′30″E