Burj Al Babas, located near the Black Sea, is a ghost town filled with 587 half-finished, abandoned mini-castles. Initially, it was planned as a luxurious urban development offering the appearance of royalty for those willing to pay from $370,000 to $500,000 for their own palace. The project developer, Sarot Group, envisioned rich foreigners enjoying the Mediterranean climate and hot springs in Gothic-style castles in the Roman spa town of Mudurnu, Turkey.
Chateau houses, Burj Al Babas
Photo by depositphotos.com
Chateau houses, Burj Al Babas
Photo by depositphotos.com
Chateau houses, Burj Al Babas
Photo by depositphotos.com
However, the construction of the Disney-inspired castle village was halted due to bankruptcy, lawsuits against the developers, and the struggling economy in Turkey. Despite confidence from the Sarot Group in 2019 that the $200 million project would resume, it has been left abandoned due to the pandemic. Currently, the town is not livable with only half-finished shells remaining. From a distance, the gray-roofed neighborhood appears enchanting, but closer inspection reveals an eerie postapocalyptic feel. The empty village is a chilling sight, with rows of partially completed castles, patchy landscaping, and no signs of life.
Address:
Burj Al Babas Villa
Büyükcami
Mudurnu, 14800
Turkey