Bilecik is the provincial capital of Turkey's Bilecik Province. The population of the town is 221,693 . The mayor is Selim Yağcı (AKP). The town is famous for its numerous restored Turkish houses. It is increasingly becoming more attractive to tourists. With its rich architectural heritage, Bilecik is a member of the European Association of Historic Towns and Regions. 30km southeast from Bilecik is Söğüt, a small town, where the Ottoman Empire was founded in 1299.
