Turkey: A Magical Destination with Disney-Esque Castles - Examination of Its Decline Today
Abandoned Disney-Style Castle Town: Burj Al Babas
Nestled in the heart of Turkey's Black Sea Region, between Istanbul and Ankara, lies a unique and eerie spectacle - the abandoned city of Burj Al Babas. This once-ambitious luxury housing project, now a popular tourist attraction, was intended to be a fairy tale retreat for the wealthy, complete with 732 Disney-style castles.
The project, started by the Turkish real estate company Sarot Property Group in 2014, aimed to cater to wealthy buyers from the Middle East, particularly citizens of Gulf petro-states. The castles were priced between $400,000 and $500,000, and the site also included plans for leisure centers, shops, Turkish baths, and spas, utilizing privatized local hot springs to serve the visitors.
However, financial troubles struck when the Turkish lira devalued sharply, and the local economy worsened. By 2018, Sarot Property Group was unable to repay its loans and filed for bankruptcy, halting the construction of Burj Al Babas. Today, 583 castles stand partially completed, many showing finished exteriors but unfinished interiors, while the leisure and entertainment facilities remain unstarted or incomplete.
Since its abandonment, Burj Al Babas has become the world's largest and one of the most expensive ghost towns, known for its eerie yet captivating abandoned Disney-style castles. The area has since become a popular vacation destination for many Germans, with the German rapper Ufo361 even shooting the music video for his song "Bad girls, good vibes" at the site.
In 2022, a Turkish state fund took over the affected companies, raising hopes that the project may one day resume. The area offers sun, beach, good food, relatively affordable prices, and rich history and culture, making it an attractive proposition for potential investors.
Despite its current state, Burj Al Babas continues to draw visitors from around the world, earning its nickname "Disney Castle Ghost Town." The social video format "Under Germans" is available on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, showcasing the unique charm of this abandoned city. Hot mineral water from local sources in Mudurnu was intended to supply the swimming pools in the basements of the buildings at Burj Al Babas, adding to its allure.
Started: 2014 by Sarot Property Group Location: Near Mudurnu, Black Sea Region, Turkey (between Istanbul and Ankara) Plan: Build 732 fairy tale castle-villas plus leisure facilities Target market: Wealthy Middle Eastern buyers, Gulf petro-states citizens Investment: Around $200 million Outcome: Bankruptcy in 2018; 583 castles partially built but abandoned Current status: Largest abandoned castle-themed ghost town in Turkey.
- Travellers from various parts of the world continue to be intrigued by the lifestyles of the rich and abandoned, visiting the Disney-style castle town of Burj Al Babas, now a sprawling ghost town in Turkey's Black Sea Region.
- Despite its financial downturn and current abandoned state, Burj Al Babas, with its unique Disney-style travel destination charm, presents an attractive proposition for potential investors seeking a blend of history, culture, and an eerie allure in their lifestyle choices.
