Burj Al Babas: Turkey’s $200 Million Disney-Inspired Ghost Town

Some residential projects in various countries have always captivated tourists with their unique designs, standing out from other constructions due to their distinct beauty.

But, in a previous video, we explored a few ghost towns that, despite their impressive designs and emulation of renowned global cities, remain uninhabitable for various reasons.

Today, we’re diving into the details of a development that features not one or two, but more than 500 Disney-like miniature castles. From a bird’s eye view, this project truly looks like a land of dreams.

Welcome to Burj Al Babas, an unfinished residential project in Turkey. Initiated by the Yerdelen brothers, construction entrepreneurs from Istanbul, the development aimed to build 732 nearly identical luxury villas modeled after mini Disney castles. These villas featured a blend of Gothic, English, and American architectural styles, with cylindrical towers inspired by Istanbul’s Galata Tower and square towers echoing the Maiden’s Tower in the Bosphorus Strait.

Despite its ambitious start in 2014, involving 2,500 workers, the project encountered significant setbacks, and by 2021, only 587 of the planned homes had been started, with none fully finished. The haunting presence of these castle-like villas stands as a symbol of grand ambitions disrupted by unforeseen challenges.

Burj Al Babas is an abandoned residential development located near Mudurnu, Turkey.

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The project began in 2014 when the Yerdelen brothers and Bulent Yilmaz, construction entrepreneurs from Istanbul, Turkey, drafted plans for a $200 million luxury community. Initiated by the Sarot Group, the project aimed to construct 732 nearly identical houses, each designed to resemble a miniature château.

The developers aimed to attract the Arab market by naming the development the “Burj Al Babas Thermal Tourism Company”. Mudurnu is a Roman spa town in the black sea region of Turkey. The site offered unique thermal tourism potential, with underground water temperatures reaching 68°C or 154°F.

The heart of the complex was envisioned to feature a domed structure housing amenities such as a shopping center, Turkish baths, a mosque, a movie theater, as well as extensive gardens and lakes spread across the 250-acre property. The homes were priced between $370,000 and $530,000.

The project was initially successful. Of the 732 planned villas, about 350 were sold to customers from Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, as oil prices plummeted, prospective buyers withdrew from their agreements, while others ceased making payments on their planned vacation homes. These factors, along with Turkey’s rising inflation, political instability, and economic downturn, compelled the developers to declare bankruptcy, halting the project in 2018. By then, only 587 homes had been completed. Turkey’s economy faced challenges in the years following the project’s initiation, leading developers to accumulate a debt of $27 million. Due to a combination of unfavorable decisions and timing, construction was subsequently halted.

During the construction of the town, local residents grew increasingly discontented with both the architectural style of the homes and the business practices of the developers. According to local reports, many expressed frustration that the castles did not reflect the local aesthetic, especially the historical Ottoman-style mansions prevalent in the region. Additionally, a lawsuit filed against the developers alleged environmental harm, including the destruction of trees.

Despite investors and buyers withdrawing from the $200 million project in 2019, Sarot Group remained optimistic that it was a temporary setback and the project would proceed as planned. However, the onset of the pandemic altered life drastically, leading to the abandonment of the project. While it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the project could resume in the future, current indications suggest it is unlikely at this juncture.

The entire project was later acquired by NOVA Group Holdings, a multinational American corporation, which may endeavor to revive the development. However, as of now, rows of abandoned, identical three-story castles stand silent. Due to the incomplete infrastructure, the site remains uninhabitable. By 2021, only 587 of the planned 732 homes had been started, with none completed.

Today, this abandoned ghost town draws curious visitors eager to explore its mysterious ambiance.

Visiting the Burj Al Babas site can be intriguing, but it’s crucial to exercise caution due to the unfinished structures that characterize the area. Many of the houses remain incomplete, and their structural integrity may be compromised.

Additionally, the site poses safety hazards typical of unfinished construction areas, such as exposed rebar, loose materials, and uneven terrain. Proper footwear and awareness of surroundings are recommended to mitigate these risks.

As per local authorities, visitors should be self-sufficient during their visit to the site, as there are no on-site facilities or services available. It’s advisable to bring personal supplies, such as water, snacks, and any required safety equipment, to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

From a legal standpoint, while the site welcomes visitors, it is essential to respect any posted signs or restrictions. Trespassing or entering restricted areas could lead to legal consequences, so adherence to guidelines is strongly advised.

Despite these challenges, Burj Al Babas offers unique photography opportunities. The juxtaposition of the unfinished structures against the natural landscape can create compelling and haunting images for photography enthusiasts. Burj Al Babas stands as one of the world’s largest ghost towns, a testament to ambitious dreams left unfinished.

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Exploring abandoned places like Burj Al Babas can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety at all times. If you choose to visit, approach with caution and appreciate the haunting beauty and historical intrigue of this ghost town.

Despite its setbacks, Burj Al Babas has found a place in popular culture, appearing in music videos like “Lose Control” by Meduza, Becky Hill, and Goodboys, and “Bad Girls, Good Vibes” by German rapper Ufo361. French musician SebastiAn also filmed part of “Sober” here.

While Burj Al Babas didn’t reach its original goal, it’s still a fascinating sight. This ghost town, with its rows of fairy-tale castles, stands as a surreal and captivating place—a dreamland that never quite came to life.