Gerede, Administrative district in Bolu Province, Turkey
Gerede is a district in Bolu Province, Turkey, situated in mountainous terrain between Istanbul and Ankara. The town spreads across a substantial geographic area with forests and highland landscapes at around 1300 meters elevation.
The area was known as Cratia during Roman times and held importance in the church administration of the region. Bishops from this place participated in major religious gatherings.
Leather craftsmanship is central to the town's character, with workshops and tanneries visible throughout where artisans work using methods passed down for generations. This heritage shapes how locals view their identity and draws visitors interested in traditional trades.
The town is accessible via highway connections to larger cities and lies within reasonable distance of Istanbul and Ankara. Visitors should plan for cooler weather due to the high elevation throughout the year.
A natural park near the town at higher elevation holds ancient trees and offers winter sports activities. Ski slopes and cross-country skiing paths make this an unexpected destination for mountain sports in this region.
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