Karabük, a province situated about 200 kilometers north of Ankara, lies in the northern region of Anatolia. Covering an area of 1,376 square kilometers, it had a population of approximately 250,000 people as of 2020. The province consists of the districts of Safranbolu, Yenice, Eflani, Eskipazar, and Ovacik.
Karabük boasts a long-standing history, dating back to ancient times when it functioned as a crucial passageway connecting Amasra on the coast with central Anatolia. The city originated as a small settlement composed of just 13 houses in the Oglebeli village of Safranbolu. It also hosted a modest train station that facilitated travel between Ankara and Zonguldak. The growth of Karabük accelerated with Turkey’s industrial progress, especially following the establishment of one of the country’s first steel plants in 1939.
The exact origin of Karabük’s name remains uncertain, though it is thought to derive from ancient Turkish roots. Some believe that Karabük means "land of bukes," a reference to the area's native plant life.
Karabük benefits from nearby deposits of dolomite and limestone, along with iron ore sourced from Divrigi. This natural wealth has supported the growth of several key industries, such as coking facilities, blast furnaces, foundries, and tube manufacturing plants. Additionally, chemical factories in the region produce sulfuric acid and phosphates. The coal reserves of Zonguldak are also in close proximity.
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