Bolu; is a city 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 271.208.
This's an attractive forested mountain district centred on the city of Bolu, which has a long history.
There's plenty of forest but little agricultural land. There's some garden produce and dairy production including good cheeses and cream, most of this is consumed or sold locally, especially as Bolu's 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's 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 Bolu're vulnerable to earthquakes.