Burj al Babas, a Turkish town replete with deserted villas

The American far west isn't the only place where you can find ghost towns. In north-eastern Turkey, between Istanbul and Ankara, Burj al Babas is a town with a medieval feel. An array of stunning and identical villas, resembling French chateaus, were constructed here in just enough time before things started to go wrong. The plans failed with an estimated loss of 200 million dollars for the developer.

A Turkish ghost town

The fall in oil prices occurred at around the same time, in 2018. The grandiose idea by Sarot Property Group to entice rich investors from the Gulf with 700 château-style villas, at between 400 000 $ and 500 000 $ each, will never see the light of day. This, despite guarantees to build a shopping centre, Turkish baths, cinemas and leisure facilities.

At the heart of it all, this palace was built in the European style to become a luxury hotel. © DR

This stunning manor has got it all, except some residents. © DR

Delusions of grandeur in a real-estate bubble

These delusions of grandeur have now left their mark on the landscape, but some still like to explore the abandoned Gothic or Renaissance-style buildings in Burj al Babas. The website is still up and running though, as if this real-estate bubble had never even burst. You can even book an appointment for a visit.

The villa reception rooms, decorated by famed designers, were ready to welcome clients. © DR