Burg Al Babas - Turkey, the abandoned castle town on the world map

Turkey has long won the love of tourists, yet it continues to amaze. Just learning about 'Burg Al Babas Turkey' allows one to see Turkey from a different perspective.

And if you look for Burg Al Babas on the map, you can find many interesting locations nearby. This is what Turkey is known for; even in its provinces, it is very intriguing. 

What is this place?

There are many mysterious and unusual places in the world that attract travelers not so much for their history but for their appearance and atmosphere. One such place is Burg Al Babas, an abandoned castle town in Turkey that looks like a set from a fairy tale or a fantasy film. 

White identical castles scattered across the slopes of green hills create the impression of a magical place where time has stopped. However, behind the facade of enchanting architecture lies not a fairy tale but a project that was meant to become a symbol of luxury and comfort but turned into a monument to financial ambitions and crisis. 

Today, Burg Al Babas has become popular among tourists, bloggers, photographers, and urban legend researchers eager to see one of the most unusual abandoned places of modern times.

Burg Al Babas is an unfinished residential complex in Turkey, consisting of more than 500 identical houses designed in the style of European castles. Each villa here looks like a miniature palace with towers, balconies, and arches. All the buildings are constructed in light tones, adding a fantastic unreality to this place. From a distance, the town resembles a fairy valley deserted by its inhabitants, leaving behind only architectural reminders.

This is not a historical settlement or a film set — it is a real investment project conceived in the 2010s, aimed at building luxurious housing for affluent clients, primarily from the Persian Gulf countries. A palace getaway, a personal castle in Turkey — all this was to become a reality for those seeking luxury in nature. However, the fate of the project turned out to be far less rosy. This too is an interesting part of the country’s singular history. 

How did it come about?

The idea for Burg Al Babas was conceived by Turkish entrepreneurs, the Yardirim brothers, who owned the construction company Sarot Group. In 2014, the company began large-scale construction of a residential complex that was to combine the architecture of European castles with the comfort of modern villas. The main target audience consisted of wealthy buyers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Middle Eastern countries.

The project planned the construction of 732 houses, each with identical design and an area of about 325 square meters. Inside, large living rooms, several bedrooms, jacuzzis, and even underground floors were to be equipped. Besides housing, the complex was to include shopping centers, spa complexes, swimming pools, restaurants, gyms, landscaped parks, and artificial water bodies. All this was supposed to create an atmosphere of a resort paradise.

The idea seemed profitable, and the company did receive many orders even before the construction was completed. More than 300 houses were sold even at the construction stage. 

However, ambitious plans faced harsh realities: economic crisis, falling oil prices, inflation in Turkey, and instability in the international market led to the project's funding being halted. In 2018, the company declared bankruptcy with debts exceeding 27 million US dollars.

Where is it located?

Burg Al Babas is located in the northwestern part of Turkey, in Bolu province, between Istanbul and Ankara. More precisely — near a small town called Mudurnu, which itself holds historical significance. Mudurnu is known for its traditional Turkish houses, narrow streets, and tranquil atmosphere. It is right next to this ancient town that the new, yet dead architectural object has arisen, standing in stark contrast to the historical charm of the region.

The Bolu region is mountainous, with rich nature: dense forests, waterfalls, thermal springs, and picturesque landscapes. Perhaps this is why the developers chose this location for their ambitious project — silence, peace, and nature were supposed to attract investors yearning for a cozy and luxurious life. However, the contrast between traditional Mudurnu and the futuristic Burg Al Babas looks somewhat ironic today.

Current state

As of today, Burg Al Babas remains abandoned and unfinished. Of more than 700 castles, only about 350 have been completed, and that without interior finishing. Some buildings are fully completed on the outside, while others are at various stages of construction. Inside, the houses remain empty, many have no windows, doors, or engineering systems. The complex is not connected to utilities — there is no water, electricity, or gas.

Over time, some houses have started to deteriorate — somewhere walls have collapsed, and somewhere decorative elements have disappeared. Vandals, thrill-seekers, tourists, and just curious people increasingly visit this site. The spot has become popular among urban explorers who investigate abandoned sites. Because of this, the company has been forced to increase security measures, but this does not deter curious travelers.

Despite numerous attempts to revive construction, find new investors, or transform the place into a tourist location, none of the plans have materialized. The ghost town stands among the green hills of Turkey, a reminder of how even the best ideas can confront reality.

How to get there?

First of all, the route depends on the starting point. However, getting to Burg Al Babas is not difficult if you are traveling in Turkey by your own vehicle or have rented a car. The nearest major city, Bolu, is located about 50 kilometers away, while the capital, Ankara, is about 200 kilometers away. The distance from Istanbul is approximately 250 kilometers. From any major city, one can reach via the E80 or D100 highways that pass through Bolu.

From Bolu, a narrow but picturesque road leads to Mudurnu through hills and forests. Already from the vicinity of Mudurnu, one can see the first 'castles' of Burg Al Babas, seemingly emerging from the greenery like an oasis of fantasy amidst the real world. The road is quite suitable for vehicle traffic, but public transport runs very rarely, so it is best to plan your trip independently or with a guide.

It should be noted that access to the territory is officially restricted. Burg Al Babas is under protection, and trespassing may be considered a violation. However, some tourist companies do offer tours to this place, so it is worth consulting local providers if you wish to see everything legally.

In general, even despite its entire history, Burg Al Babas is a place where dreams of fairy-tale life met harsh reality. Its architecture impresses, its atmosphere captivates, and its history evokes amazement and regret. It is a vivid example of how ambitions not backed by realistic planning can leave behind only concrete silhouettes of dreams.