CITY OF COUNCILS
BITOLA
The city of Bitola in Macedonia is known as “the City Of Consuls.” The Ottoman Empire had several consular offices here, which made it an important point for trade with Europe.
THE NAME OF BITOLA
The city of Bitola got its name after the great landowner Toljo, who had his own fortress near the present-day Bitola village of Bukovo. At the time when the Turks came to conquer this part of Macedonia, in order to call the great landowner Toljo for struggle, they told him "Bi Tolo, do bi Toljo". Bitola is also known as 'Manastir' because a number of monasteries and churches were built in and around the city during the Medieval period.
GEOGRAPHY OF BITOLA
Bitola is located in the southwestern part of Macedonia. The Dragor River flows through the city. Bitola lies at an elevation of 615 meters above sea level, at the foot of Baba Mountain. Its magnificent Pelister mountain (2,601 m) is a national park with exquisite flora and fauna, among which is the rarest species of pine, known as Macedonian pine or pinus peuce. It is also the location of a well-known ski resort. Covering an area of 1,798 km2 (694 sq mi). and with a population of 122,173 (1991), Bitola is an important industrial, agricultural, commercial, educational, and cultural center. It represents an important junction that connects the Adriatic Sea to the south with the Aegean Sea and Central Europe.
BITOLA TODAY
Bitola is the economic and industrial center of southwestern North Macedonia. Many of the largest companies in the country are based in the city. The Pelagonia agricultural combine is the largest producer of food in the country. The Streževo water system is the largest in North Macedonia and has the best technological facilities. The three thermoelectric power stations of REK Bitola produce nearly 80% of electricity in the state.[citation needed] The Frinko refrigerate factory was a leading electrical and metal company. Bitola also has significant capacity in the textile and food industries. Bitola is also home to thirteen consulates, which gives the city the nickname "the city of consuls."
