Republic of Macedonia

Grolier's Academic American Encyclopedia (c) 1992

Bitola

TITLE(s): Bitola {bee'-toh-luh^

Bitola (1987 est. pop., 76,200), a city in the former Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia, is situated in the extreme south, close to the border with Greece.

A market center for the adjacent fertile plain, Bitola is also an industrial city. The site of the ancient Heraclea Lyncestis, founded by Philip II of Macedonia (r. 359-336 BC), is nearby. First mentioned in the 10th century, Bitola was a major commercial center during the period (1382-1913) of Turkish rule. It was badly damaged during World War I but retains some of its Muslim heritage.

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