Bitlis is a city located in southeastern Turkey that serves as the seat of both the Bitlis District and Bitlis Province. Situated at an elevation of 1,545 metres, the city lies in the steep-sided valley of the Bitlis River, which is a tributary of the Tigris. It is positioned approximately 15 km from Lake Van.
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, specifically the production of fruits, grain, and tobacco. Industrial activity is limited and focuses on leatherworking, the manufacture of tobacco products, and the weaving and dyeing of coarse cloth. The city is connected by road to nearby urban centers including Tatvan, Muş, and Diyarbakır.
Bitlis is characterized by a harsh climate featuring long winters and heavy snowfalls. Scholarly literature identifies it as a historically Kurdish city; demographic studies consistently rank the province among those with the highest concentrations of Kurdish speakers. As of 2021, the city had a population of 53,023.