Ghost town of Burj al-Babas: A failed dream project in Turkey

Ghost town of Burj al-Babas: A failed dream project in Turkey

Holidays in Turkey are very popular with many Germans. The combination of sun, beach, delicious food, affordable prices and rich history attracts countless tourists year after year. But beyond the classic holiday destinations, there are also unusual places to discover, such as the abandoned city of Burj Al Babas, which is located near Mudurnu in Bolu Province in northern Turkey. Also known as the “Disney Castles Ghost Town,” this ghost town urbanization inspires both curiosity and wonder.

The Burj Al Babas project, which originally includes 732 identical mini-castles, was developed by the Sarot Group. Construction began in 2014 and was expected to be completed within four years. Despite noble ambitions, massive difficulties arose and the project was abandoned in 2019 after a bankruptcy with a debt of $5 million. This happened even though a majority of the villas had already been completed by 2018.

Architectural features and objectives

The three-story villas of Burj Al Babas combine diverse architectural styles, including Gothic, English and American elements. The towers are inspired by the Galata Tower and the Maiden Tower in Istanbul. The plan was to have a central area with a domed structure that would contain a shopping center, health and beauty facilities, a mosque and a cinema.

The homes were offered at prices ranging from $370,000 to $530,000 and were primarily aimed at the Arab market. A large portion of the initial sales went to Gulf buyers, including about 150 sales from Kuwait City. Despite the positive sales figures, the sales process stalled in 2018, which ultimately led to the Sarot Group's bankruptcy. Documents show that the mayor of Mudurnu remains hopeful that the project will be restarted.

The current status and future of the project

The location of Burj Al Babas is apparently auspicious as it is located in a hot springs region that reaches a water temperature of 68°C (154°F) at a depth of 200 meters. However, it is uncertain whether construction will resume in the future. A Turkish sovereign wealth fund took over the affected companies in 2022, and a US investor joined in 2024, which could open up new perspectives for the project.

Despite the current uncertainty, Burj Al Babas has become a popular lost place, attracting both history buffs and adventure seekers. The German rapper Ufo361 shot a music video for his song “Bad girls, good vibes” here and the music video “Lose Control” by Meduza, Becky Hill and Goodboys also took place in this fascinating setting.

Overall, it remains to be seen whether Burj Al Babas can be transformed from a ghost town into a vibrant housing project. The unfinished villas, many of which suffer from water damage, contrast with the original vision of a luxury residential project in the picturesque backdrop of Turkey's Black Sea region.

The coming months are crucial for the project's future, especially after the Emir of Kuwait, Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, visited Turkey and held talks with President Erdoğan, which may also include Burj Al Baba.