Karabük, a province established approximately 200 kilometers from Ankara, is located in the northern part of Anatolia. The province spans an area of 1.376 square kilometers and is home to around 250,000 people as of 2020. The districts of Karabük include Safranbolu, Yenice, Eflani, Eskipazar, and Ovacik.
Karabük has a rich history dating back to ancient times, when it served as an important route between Amasra on the coast and central Anatolia. The city began as a small sub-village formed by 13 houses in Oglebeli village of Safranbolu, and was also home to a small train station that served travelers from Ankara to Zonguldak. Karabük began to develop with the industrialization of Turkey, particularly after one of its first steel factories was established in 1939.
Although the origin of Karabük’s name is unknown, it is believed to stem from ancient Turkish. Some speculate that the word Karabük means "land of bukes," referring to the vegetation in the area.
Karabuk has access to nearby sources of dolomite and limestone, as well as iron ore from Divrigi. This has allowed for the development of various basic industries, including coking plants, blast furnaces, foundries, and tube works. Chemical plants in Karabük produce sulfuric acid and phosphates. The coal fields of Zonguldak are also located nearby.