Bolu which fascinates those who see it with its natural beauties is a city located in the west of the Black Sea Region. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Bolu, which is one of the most important cities in our country in terms of geography, for both vacation and business. The province, which is on the transit route connecting Istanbul and Anatolia, contributes to the country’s tourism to a great extent with its history and nature.
Where is Bolu?
There are 7 different regions in our country. Bolu is located on the western border of the Black Sea Region. Zonguldak is located in the north of Bolu province. Bolu has a border with Zonguldak and its other neighbors are the cities of Sakarya, Cankiri, Duzce, Ankara, and Bilecik. There are forest areas for nature walks and camping. There are also paragliding opportunities in Bolu.
How Many Districts Does Bolu Have?
It has 9 districts, the center of Bolu, Mudurnu, Gerede, Goynuk, Seben, Mengen, Yenicaga, Kibriscik, and Dortdivan. According to 2016 population data, the most populated district is the center, and the district with the least population is Kibriscik.
What is Bolu’s Population?
According to the Bolu governorship in 2019 the general population of the province is 316,126, the urban population is 233,379 and the rural population is 82,747. While the ratio of the population living in the city to the total population in our province is 73.8%, the ratio of the population living in the countryside to the total population is 26.2%. Bolu City Center Population is 180,197.
What is Bolu’s Surface area?
The surface area of the province is 8.313 km2.
What are the Seasonal Characteristics of Bolu?
The province of Bolu is generally cool in summer, cold in winter, and rainy in all seasons. Depending on the effect of landforms in the province, different climatic characteristics are encountered; Bolu, Gerede, Seben, and Kibriscik have different climatic subzones from place to place.
What is Bolu’s Most Famous Place?
Bolu is a city that makes its residents and guests happy with its clean air, lush forests, and all its natural beauties. Located in the Western Black Sea region, the region has a uniquely beautiful geography. When it comes to the most famous places in Bolu, the first places that come to mind are Lake Abant and Yedigoller National Park. These places deserve this reputation as they offer different beauties in every season and have a very special nature.
Which Part of Bolu is More Beautiful?
Bolu is a city that can be described as a paradise for nature lovers. The city draws attention to its natural parks with fascinating nature, especially Abant Lake and Yedigöller National Park, and ski resorts that impress with their quality in winter. In addition, the world-famous unique local flavors and thousands of years of history can be expressed as other factors that are effective in attracting many people from all over the world. Bolu is a special city that attracts photographers and campers with its untouched natural beauty. It is possible to explore Bolu both with guided nature tours and historical and cultural tours.
Bolu is an important city that hosts the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. Mudurnu and Goynuk, which are protected within the scope of urban sites, Mengen, which trained cooks for the Ottoman palace, and Gerede, which has impressive historical buildings, can be counted as just a few of these examples. It is possible to see similar examples of natural wonders of white travertine terraces and rock houses, which are symbols of Cappadocia, in Bolu as well as in Pamukkale. Bolu, which has all these beauties, has special regions with different characteristics.
What are the Most Famous Meals of Bolu?
Bolu, which has one of the richest cuisines in Turkey with its thousands of years old local cuisine, whets the appetite with its tables from the Ottoman period to the present day. Famous foods Bolu are listed below:
- Ogmac soup: Ogmac soup is one of Bolu’s favorite soups. The soup, which is a very satisfying flavor with its abundant ingredients, is made with chickpeas and dough pieces. Ovmac soup, which is one of the soups that add flavor to tomato paste and onion, is one of the dishes on Bolu tables in the winter months. Ovmac soup is one of the indispensable flavors of Bolu.
- Imaret Soup: One of Bolu’s famous delicacies is Imaret soup, which is a very interesting soup made with milk. The soup, which is made with rice cooked in milk, is seasoned after adding onions and becomes ready. This very different and delicious soup, which has survived to the present day, is specially made and served to those in need.
- Abant Kebab: One of the flavors unique to Abant, full of natural beauties of Bolu, Bolu regional dishes. Kebab made from roasted eggplant, meat, and cheese placed on toasted bread is on the menu of almost all steakhouses in Bolu. If you are a fan of meat dishes you should try this.
- Mengen Rice: Mengen Rice is frequently cooked in Bolu cuisine. Rice made with almonds and mushrooms can also be made by adding tomatoes and green pistachios if desired. Roasted almonds and mushrooms Rice combined with its great taste is served as vise rice at Bolu tables.
- Kesh Cheese: Bolu Kesh is a kind of cheese. Kesh, which is made from yogurt and salt, is very similar to cottage cheese. Kesh cheese, also known as dried yogurt, is a hard and very salty cheese. Long-lasting cheese can be eaten by itself or added to most dishes. You can buy kesh cheese, which is made in molds, from many places in Bolu.
- Bolu Meatballs: Meatballs are made with special ground meat and become very tasty with parsley, onion, and various seasonings. With various garnishes Bolu Meatballs served is one of the most frequently eaten meatballs in the resting facilities on bus journeys.
- Kesh Cheese Walnut Noodles: This is one of the famous dishes of Bolu and Safranbolu. Kesh walnut noodles are made differently in each region. The dish, which is prepared according to the Bolu style, is made by adding walnuts and cheese to the noodles. The flavors roasted in butter can attract people even with their smell.
- Zucchini Pancakes: Bolu continues our list of local dishes with the city’s favorite pastries. People from Bolu, who are very good with pastry, especially love pancakes. However, the most famous pancakes are the ones made with zucchini. Pancakes made with the addition of zucchini roasted with onions into the dough rolled out by hand, are served by cooking on sheets.
- Potato bread: This is known as one of the famous tastes of Bolu and Afyonkarahisar, and is made frequently in Bolu. The potato bread, which is very popular with its sourdough taste, is cooked in wood ovens after potatoes are placed in it. Do not leave without trying the bread, which you can find fresh in most of the bakeries in Bolu in the early hours of the morning.
- Palace halva: One of Bolu’s favorite desserts is eaten with pleasure in many regions of Turkey. This famous delicacy, known as pulled halva in Kastamonu, is a very delicious dessert made with flour, margarine, and sugar. This dessert, which people who come to Bolu usually buy in boxes to present to their loved ones, is made of chocolate. It has many varieties from covered to pistachio.
Which Hotels are in Bolu?
The best hotels in Bolu are listed below.
- Kaya Palazzo Ski & Mountain Resort
- Hampton by Hilton Bolu
- Dorukkaya Ski Mountain Resort
- Gazelle Resort & Spa
- Abant Aden Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Abant Lotus Hotel
- Karpalas City Hotel & Spa
- Abant Green House
- Grand Kartal Hotel
History of Bolu
The city of Bolu has a deep-rooted history. It is claimed that the first settlers around Bolu were the Bebriks. After the 8th century BC, the region called Bebrikya was dominated by the Bithynians, and the region was named Bithynia. When the archaeological artifacts of that period were examined, it was seen that Northwest Anatolia, which includes Bolu, was called “Bitinya”. The city, which was called “Bithynium” in the Roman period, was changed to Claudiopolis under the rule of Emperor Claudius. The city experienced its strongest years in the Byzantine period and became a bishopric center without being affected by Arab raids. The city, which was called “Polis” in the Byzantine period, was taken over by the Turkmen in the 11th century and took the name “Bolu”. The commanders of the Seljuk State reached the border of Istanbul, while Bolu was conquered by the Horasanli Aslahaddin. Although raids were started on Bolu by Osman Gazi, Bolu was completely conquered for the first time during the reign of Orhan Gazi (1326). It is among the rumors that the region gained the name “Bolu” in time due to the abundance of Ulug-Alim living in the region during the Ottoman Period. Even though Bolu was exposed to the wars of the princes after Yildirim Bayezid died, it gained a regular administration after Celebi Mehmet. With the occupation of Izmir after the Armistice of Mudros, the Defense of the Law Society was organized for the first time in the Gerede district of Bolu. The city, which was damaged in the First World War, was turned into a province on October 10, 1923.
Ancient Civilizations Lived in Bolu
The first inhabitants of Bolu are the Hittites. B.C. In 1211, Bolu, like all Hittite lands, passed into the hands of the Phrygians. Lydians, who defeated the Phrygians, got Bolu. Persians BC. When they defeated the Lydians in the 6th century (in 546), they dominated the region for a short time. They ruled under the names of Misya and Patlagonya with general governors for 200 years. B.C. In 336, Macedonian King Alexander the Great defeated the Persians and captured Bolu, like many other parts of Anatolia. When the Macedonian Kingdom collapsed upon the death of Alexander the Great, some parts of Anatolia were conquered by non-Greek nations that were under Greek culture. At that time, some Greek-speaking nations, which had nothing to do with Greek, dominated some parts of Anatolia. The Kingdom of Bithynia was established in Bolu. M.O. When the Persian-born but Greek-speaking Pontus State attacked in the first century, Nicomedes the Third, the last king of Bithynia, called on the Romans for help. The Kingdom of Pontus was defeated. When Nicomedes the Third, King of Bithynia, died, the Bolu region joined the Roman Empire as per his will. When Rome was divided into two in 395, Bolu fell to the share of Eastern Rome, that is, Byzantium.
After the 1071 Manzikert Victory, the Turks continued to advance toward the west of Anatolia. Alparslan’s son, Meliksah, commissioned Suleyman Shah to take the region between Kizilirmak and Istanbul and gave 100,000 Turkmen from Turkistan to be settled in the region. Bolu was conquered by the Khorasanli Aslahaddin during the raids to the region. The Turkmen who settled in Bolu in 1074 easily mingled with the Bulgarian, Pecheneg, Uz, and Kuman Turks brought by the Byzantines from the Balkans long ago. Bolu and its villages became completely Turkish and took Turkish names. The names of Dadurga, Salur, Karken, Yenice, Catak, Berk, Karaceli, Bayindir, Yuva, and many other places are always the names of Turkish tribes.
What are the Features of Bolu?
Bolu has many beautiful natural places making it a very good place for people who want to spend quality time in nature. Abant Lake and Nature ParkAbant Lake, a lake surrounded by pine and fir trees, is one of the most beautiful places to see in Bolu. Abant Lake and Nature Park, which is a very touristic spot, offers wonderful views to those who want to meet nature. You can also choose to start the day with a magnificent breakfast at Lake Abant, where you can take long walks along the lakeshore, take lots of photos, and enjoy a cup of tea against the view. Yedigoller National ParkYedigoller National Park, which offers one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Turkey with its rich vegetation and lakes among beech, larch, and oak forests, has a truly fascinating atmosphere. Yedigoller National Park stands out among the natural beauties of Bolu and is very popular. Yedigoller National Park, which offers a great environment for taking long walks in nature, setting a nice picnic table, and camping, can be a good address for a peaceful weekend tour. You can go up to Kapankaya View Terrace to watch the magnificent view of the lakes and the forest.
Historical Places of Bolu
Historical places of Bolu are listed below:
- Seben Kaya Houses
Seben Kaya Houses are located within the borders of Solaklar Village of Bolu; the historical rock houses are 4 km from the town center. The historical area, which is 2 kilometers inside the Seben-Bolu main road, is one of the most visited places by Bolluians and people from outside the city. These rock houses, built by carving the rocks on the slope of the valley, appear as 4-story structures.
The houses, which are built with a transition from the inside, almost look like old apartments. According to the estimates made on the traces found inside the houses, it is thought that they may have been built in the Early Christian period, around 300 BC. Middle Byzantine houses, which were actively used until the period, are open to visitors today. It is not recommended to go inside as the floors are not solid between floors. However, you can easily look at least one floor.
- Upper Tashan
A famous historical place that you must visit when you come to Bolu of them is Upper Tashan, next to the Great Mosque in the center of the city. According to the historical inscription on it, the inn was built in 1804 at the request of Serbevvab Haci Abdullah Aga and has 30 rooms.
Constructed of cut stone and rubble, the building draws attention with its arches and its courtyard with an iwan. The inn, which has been actively used since the day it was built, is still open for use today. You can drink rosehip tea in the tea garden in its courtyard and feel the texture of history.
- Gulezler Mansion
Gulezler Mansion is in the Karacayir District, located in the center of Bolu. It is a building built in the 19th century. The mansion, which was one of the important residences built during the National Struggle, was demolished in 2008. The building, which was rebuilt in its original form, was attached to Abant Izzet Baysal University in 2011. You can visit the mansion, which currently serves as the Bolu Folk Culture Research and Application Center, on your trip to Bolu.
- Goynuk Victory Tower
The Victory Tower is located in the small but beautiful Goynuk district of the city. Located on Cuma Street, the tower is a structure with a very beautiful view of a hill overlooking the district. The tower consists of 3 floors and the upper floors are narrowed. The tower, which was built in 1923 at the request of Governor Hurst Bey during the National Struggle period, was built in memory of the martyrs who died in the Battle of Sakarya. The tower, which was built from wooden building material, is one of the places that visitors to the district visit. The building was restored in 1960, preserving its originality.
- Historical Mudurnu Houses
Located 52 km from the city center of Bolu, the Mudurnu district, with its historical mansions draws attention. The houses, which are one of the most beautiful architectural representatives of the old Turkish houses, are under protection as they are considered protected areas today. A total of 165 houses in the district welcome their visitors as a live exhibition within the scope of the historical mansion. In addition, 8 mosques, fountains, and baths are also appreciated by the visitors. If you are one of those who like to observe old architectural structures and wander the streets full of historical experiences, you should stop by Mudurnu. It would be useful to mention that Mudurnu has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to the houses.
- Goynuk Houses
In addition to Mudurnu houses, Goynuk, one of Bolu’s important historical neighborhoods, is also on our list. Goynuk, which has become a touristic place visited by those who come to Bolu, also draws attention to its historical houses. 20th century the houses, which are known to have been built at the beginning of the year, were declared as urban protected areas and taken under protection. One of the most important features of the houses is that they have courtyards called “Hayat” (life) that allow the people of the house to socialize.
- Historical Bolu Government House
The Historical Government House, which has become one of the symbolic structures of Bolu, was built by Husrev Pasha, also known as the first governor of Bolu. According to historical sources, the mansion, which was built in 1811, was completed by Ibrahim Pasha due to Husrev Pasha’s Ottoman-Russian expedition. The building, which was very important for the period it was built, witnessed a great fire in 1926.
The mansion, whose roof was completely burned after the fire, was renovated and re-opened in 1932 but was badly damaged by the 1944 earthquake. The mansion, which was reduced from three floors to two floors after the earthquake, is now under protection. Lastly, the building, which entered the restoration process from 1998 to 2008, still actively serves as the Bolu Governor’s Office building today.
- Gerede Goat Castle
The historical Gerede Goat Castle, located in the Garden District of Bolu, is an important remnant that has survived, although it has remained in pieces from the past to the present. The castle, located around Arkut Mountain, was built on a point overlooking the hill. Since there is no inscription on the castle, the date of construction is not known exactly, but according to historical data, it was built during the Bithynian period, that is, in the 3rd century BC. There are many stories told about the castle. There are many stories told about the castle.
It is rumored that the people living in the region took shelter with their animals and goods during the war, and the castle took this name because the armies were afraid of the goats whose horns.
What are the Museums in Bolu?
Museums in Bolu are listed below:
- Bolu Museum
The Bolu Museum, which started its adventure with the Museum Office established in 1975, was opened to visitors on 14.11.1981 after the necessary preparations were completed. The artifacts obtained during the excavations in Bolu and its surroundings are taken under protection in the museum, and visitors can examine them.
There are two halls in the museum, namely the archeology and ethnography sections. There are 3286 works in the archeology section and 1677 in the ethnography section. At the same time, 12095 coins are exhibited in the museum.
- Ahi Museum
Mudurnu Ahiler Museum is located in the historical Arasta, which constitutes the trade texture of the ancient district, within the protected area of the city, which was built at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
How Many Tourists Come to Bolu Annually?
According to the Ministry of Culture And Tourism of The Republic of Turkey, in 2020 there have been 657.078 tourists in Bolu.
How to Get To the City Center from Bolu Airport
Bolu does not have an airport. For this reason, you can use Kocaeli Cengiz Topel Airport in Kocaeli for your Bolu flights and then take advantage of bus or car rental opportunities.
How to Provide Transport in Bolu?
In Bolu, transportation is provided by public buses and minibusses. BoluKart has been started to be used in all public vehicles of Bolu Municipality. BoluKart, which provides fast, practical, and economical transportation, is used by approaching the card reading devices in public vehicles. BoluKart has 1, 3, or 5-use disposable tickets and contactless smart card options. You can top up your BoluKart, which you can get by applying to Card Processing Centers, from top-up dealers. You can check the bus routes and times of Bolu Metropolitan Municipality on the website. Taxis and minibusses are other alternatives for transportation in Bolu. For minibusses, the minimum fee is 0.32 USD. Cycling is becoming increasingly common in the city, which continues to be equipped with bicycle paths in the city center within the scope of the European model bicycle path project. You can rent a bicycle for a small fee and explore the city as you wish.
Taxi Prices in Bolu
There are many varieties of taxi prices, such as the time of the day and the destination. Taxis start from 0.25 USD and each kilometer after that is 0.27 USD.
Bolu Bus Ticket Prices
BoluKart is essential for transportation since it is required to pay for the buses other than one-time-use tickets. The sale price is 2, 08 USD for full cards, and the boarding fee is 0, 45 USD.
What are the House Rental Prices in Bolu?
The price of the house changes depending on how close they are to the center of Bolu. On average a 1+1 house can cost anywhere between 130 dollars to 300 dollars, 2+1 can cost between 193 dollars to 450 dollars and 3+1 can cost between 250 dollars to 650 dollars per month.
How to Buy a House in Bolu?
Thinking about your intentions would be the first thing to do. Do you plan to stay, do you plan to come from time to time or do you plan to sell the place? Depending on your choice there can be many variables. Once you decided what you will do with the house, you can easily choose the house you want from Bolu with the help of a real estate agent or through real estate websites.
What are the Reliable Real Estate Sites to Buy a House in Bolu?
There are many reliable real estate sites to use when buying a house in Bolu, such as Intro Property, Skyturk Property, and Realty Group.
One of the most experienced real estate firms in Turkey is Realty Group, buying, selling, investing, property management, finance, and after-sale services are just a few of the ways to help you find the right property.
With over +11 years of customer satisfaction, 73% of Realty Group’s new client base comes from recommendations from previous clients who bought properties in Turkey.
What are the Points to Consider While Buying a House in Bolu?
You should consider the following points while buying a house.
- Look at the deed registration
- To whom or to whom the real estate belongs,
- Share ratios related to real estate,
- Whether there is an easement (use) right on it,
- Whether it is mortgaged
- Whether there is an injunction preventing the sale,
- Whether the floor servitude has been established,
- Whether there are any obstacles to its establishment,
- Whether the independent section to be purchased is registered in the title deed,
- The management plan of the real estate and the title deed annotations applied by the landowner to the contractor.