'Disney ghost village' stands frozen in time with hundreds of 'mini castle' homes
In rural Turkey, what was supposed to be a Disney princess paradise featuring hundreds of turreted holiday homes has been abandoned to the elements.
Burj Al Babas is a collapsed mega project that now looks more like a haunted ghost town than a luxury resort.
Situated near the Black Sea, the development contains 587 miniature castles that were planned to become the region's next major tourist hotspot.
But then the money ran out and the whitewashed settlement was abandoned.
The properties were being marketed for between £330,000 and £440,000 for buyers' very own little palace, reports the Mirror.
Developer Sarot Group had envisaged a tribute to Europe's Royal heritage when they conceived the scheme, according to CNN Traveller.
For wealthy jet-setters tired of Monaco and the French Riviera - this corner of paradise promised everything: Mediterranean weather above neo-Gothic rooftops overlooking picturesque Turkish woodland.
Situated in the Roman spa resort of Mudurnu, renowned for its thermal springs and alleged "healing waters," each property was set to feature underfloor heating and Jacuzzis on every floor.
But after building began in 2014, with completion planned for 2018, Sarot Group was compelled to file for bankruptcy.
Residents were also livid after witnessing the appearance of the properties and the developers' business methods.
Local media reported that many were annoyed the castles bore no resemblance to anything in the region, especially the historic Ottoman-style mansions. A legal battle ensued against the developers, accusing them of environmental damage and tree destruction.
The situation worsened when Turkey's economy took a nosedive, leaving the developers with a staggering £24 million debt.
The future of the project looks bleak as investors and buyers withdrew their funds from the £200million venture in 2019.
Despite the significant setback, Sarot Group remained optimistic about completing the scheme, according to a report in The New York Times. However, the arrival of the pandemic dealt another blow, leaving the project utterly abandoned.
The deserted town is filled with partially constructed villas, none of which were completed. Burj Al Babas now stands still, frozen in time, devoid of any signs of life.
Burj Al Babas comprises over 700 multi-storey castles, half of which had already been sold by 2019.
The contentious Gothic-inspired architectural features, including flying buttresses, pointed arches, and ribbed vaulting, are designed to mirror the castles found on the outskirts of the Roman spa town of Mudurnu.
The project's developers selected a vast valley at the foot of Turkey's northwestern mountains to attract Arabs from the Gulf. Each home offers breathtaking natural views.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
'Lifesaver' app that lets people 'save a ton of money' praised by pet owners
TrustedHousesitters offers a guilt-free holiday solution for pet owners and travel opportunities for potential sitters - and they're even offering a discount on new annual memberships Research has shown that over half of pet owners say their travel frequency has dropped since getting a pet, with 57% planning holidays around pet-friendly accommodation. The struggle to juggle pet ownership and travel is real, as many feel guilty leaving their furry friends in unfamiliar settings, and often can't bring them along. Concerns about separation anxiety and wellbeing are also widespread, with nearly half (49%) of pet owners confessing they worry more about their pet's wellbeing than their own holiday enjoyment. A third of pet parents spend a significant portion of their holiday glued to their phones, checking up on their pets or video calling their sitters. However, this doesn't have to be the norm for pet owners. The ideal scenario is to jet off on holiday, confident that your pets are safe and comfortable at home. TrustedHousesitters offers a guilt-free holiday solution for pet owners and travel opportunities for potential sitters. They're even offering a discount on new annual memberships with the code THS20SC until 30th September. TrustedHousesitters provides pet owners with the opportunity to travel worry-free, knowing their pets are being cared for at home by a verified sitter. A one-year membership fee for a sitter starts at £79.20 with the current discount offer, reports the Mirror. Pet parent membership typically starts at £119, but with a discount code, it becomes even more affordable. Once registered, pet parents can host as many sitters as they need throughout the year. The platform is designed for ease of use. Pet owners can start browsing for free and then choose a membership option - basic, standard or premium - when they're ready to join. Rather than charging for their services, sitters offer pet care in return for accommodation during their travels and the company of a pet, allowing pet parents to go on holiday. Pet owners can rest easy knowing that sitters are verified, there are reviews left by fellow pet parents, and pets get to stay safe and content in their own homes. For sitters, who must be over 21, it provides an affordable way to travel with an annual membership that unlocks unlimited pet sitting stays in homes worldwide. It's important to note that house sitting may be considered work in some countries and sitters may therefore need a visa before travelling. Potential sitters should check a country's travel rules before agreeing to housesit. There are other platforms that offer similar services that pet owners can also explore. For example, Rover, an app and website that connects dog and cat parents with pet sitters and dog walkers in neighbourhoods across the UK, US, Canada and Europe. Another option is Borrow My Doggy, which connects dog owners with verified local borrowers for walks, weekends, and overnight stays. Those interested can sign up for free and choose from some premium memberships if needed. TrustedHousesitters has garnered an excellent reputation on Trustpilot, achieving a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from more than 21,000 reviews. One delighted customer revealed: "My family and I love the benefits of TrustedHousesitters! Nearly every holiday since joining has been as a sitter. We even sat for a month when we moved to a new city to have time to get to know the neighbourhoods and research where we wanted to live before signing a long-term lease or buying." Another user commented: "Since joining Trusted Housesitters, we are slowly but surely spreading our wings into new adventures. Not only meeting lovely people and their pets, but getting to explore parts of the UK we have traditionally driven through en route to somewhere else and commented, 'isn't this lovely! We really should come back'. "Now we're starting to spend a few days in the many treasures dotted around. And all done with an old favourite of mornings, afternoons and evenings filled with furry cuddles. Our latest trip to Hampshire has been wonderful. Two wonderful dogs, equally wonderful hosts and a gorgeous part of the world to explore. "Finding this site a year ago was a lifesaver. We have had a number of sitters and all have proven reliable, trustworthy and efficient. It has freed my wife and me up to do so much travelling that would otherwise have been impossible," another person chimed in. Other patrons highlighted usability issues with the website. One reviewer awarded TrustedHousesitters four stars but commented: "The app is definitely better than the website, which is not as intuitive as it could be." An elated customer remarked: "The app has been so straightforward and easy to use. The saved searches have led us to stays that fit exactly what we are looking for. Our first stay was incredible! I just wish we had known about TrustedHousesitters sooner! We've already booked a second stay and referred two friends." And someone else wrote: "Great idea for an app! Very useful, we had our first sitter recently through the app, and it went very smoothly. We saved a ton of money by using the app to find someone to house/pet sit. I'm looking forward to trying out being a sitter somewhere in the world myself through the app."
Times
2 hours ago
- Times
13 of the best budget cruises in the Mediterranean for under £1,200
The Mediterranean may be beautiful but it's not always easy on the wallet. Popular capital cities, swanky resorts and bucket list islands don't come cheap, especially if you make separate trips to each one and need to factor in sky-high hotel rates and ever-increasing air fares. A reasonably-priced cruise to more than one destination can often work out great value in contrast, with some even sailing straight from the UK to keep costs down. You'll often dine on board so won't need to worry about finding cheap eats in unfamiliar places, but can spend extra cash on souvenirs or locally-made goods to remember your trip instead. Here are some of the best budget cruises to choose. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue MSC stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company, so it's no surprise this line knows what it's doing in the Med. If you want to dip your toe into the proverbial water and try a cruise for the first time, there are various one or two-night taster breaks from less than £150. Or you can sail away for a week for less than £450, which includes all meals and entertainment. What sets MSC apart from other lines is that you can join a circular cruise from a port of your choice, such as Genoa, Palma or Barcelona, making it easy to plan and budget for convenient flights. Not all Mediterranean cruise ships are made the same, and Star Clippers' romantic tall ships turn heads wherever they go. Replicating the swashbuckling vessels of yesteryear, they use warm Med winds as much as they can and it's an impressive sight to watch sailors raising the sails by hand. Passengers can channel their inner Captain Jack Sparrow and climb the rigging to the crow's nest on sailings that start from around £1,140 for four nights. Alternatively, the springy bowsprit nets at the front of the ship are great look-out points for dolphins. The onboard vibe is very friendly and the captain and officers mingle with passengers. Despite the name, this line has an array of Mediterranean sailings on its fun-packed ship for less than £1,000. Spend a week in Greece and the Adriatic with a fly-cruise on Explorer of the Seas, for example, and you'll visit contrasting ports such as the volcanic island of Santorini and the fortified town of Kotor. Fill the rest of the time trying out the ships' many attractions; the Perfect Storm twin racing slides, FlowRider surf simulator and rock climbing walls to name just a few. • Best cruises from Southampton Richard Branson shook up the cruise world in 2021 when he launched his unconventional line Virgin Voyages. You'll find Mediterranean sailings on the adult-only Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady, which resemble hip hotels rather than cruise ships. There's a DJ in the foyer along with a tattoo parlour for any guests (or sailors as they're called by Virgin) looking for a lasting souvenir. You'll find week-long sailings for around £1,000, and can add shore excursions such as a pizza-making workshop in Naples or wine tasting on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. This two-ship line offers port-intensive sailings focusing on the eastern Mediterranean and Greece from around £1,000, often with two port stops a day. Celestyal operates the comfortable refurbished vessels Celestyal Journey, which joined the fleet in 2023 and Celestyal Discovery for 2024. Families are given a warm Mediterranean welcome, with waiters making a big fuss of young sailors and remembering their favourite foods. Mediterranean flavours come to the fore in Celestyal Journey's Smoked Olive restaurant with dishes such as risotto flavoured with fresh black provides affordable premium holidays at sea with 12-night Med cruises for less than £800. Sailings are aimed squarely at mature Brits looking for a traditional experience, such as a choice of two sittings in the main dining room and formal nights. That said, it's certainly not old-fashioned and there's a lively bar and entertainment scene including silent discos. Ambassador's two ships, Ambience and Ambition, have been updated to a high standard, with spacious and contemporary cabins. No-hassle, no-fly cruises out of Tilbury, include winter sailings in search of welcome Mediterranean sunshine. Sailing on one of the world's most recognisable cruise lines isn't as expensive as you might think: you can experience life onboard the Queen Victoria for less than £1,000 for a 14-night sailing. Mediterranean voyages include days at sea to savour the Cunard lifestyle, such as the highlight afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters and glittering black-tie balls. The 2024 flagship Queen Anne — the line's first new vessel in 12 years — also offers selected itineraries in the region, with a ten-night cruise starting from a little over £1,200. Live in Liverpool and don't want to fly down south to join a cruise? Then take a look at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' Mediterranean round-trip itineraries from the maritime city. You'll sail to destinations such as Portugal, Spain, France and Morocco on the line's 1,338-passenger flagship Bolette. Ports of call include Tangier on the northern tip of Morocco and the coastal city of Cadiz in Spain. Back on Bolette, expect a full daily programme of entertainment and classes, including the chance to paint your very own masterpiece in the art studio. Week-long sailings with Fred Olsen start from just over £900. • Best Danube cruises for your next European sailing• Best cruises from Venice Another cruise line that's a firm favourite with Brits is P&O. It has a big choice of Mediterranean cruises from home shores, or from Southampton. Sailings include seven-night fly-cruises from under £1,000 with stops at Valletta, Ajaccio, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Naples, on family-friendly Azura. Med-themed dining venues include the Beach House, serving stone-baked pizzas by the pool, and tapas and wine pairings in the Glass House, founded by the wine expert Olly Smith. If you're after a romantic break, look at round-trip Southampton cruises to Spain and France on the adults-only Arcadia. Sick of being charged a hefty penalty because you need to travel in the kids' school holidays? Princess Cruises has reasonably priced Med itineraries available throughout the long summer break, from around £800. Its regular seven-night itinerary around France and Italy is one of its best bargains and means the family can hit the beach in Barcelona, sample bouillabaisse in Marseilles and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Just bear in mind that air fare is extra so it's worth booking in advance to find the best deals. If formal dining and reading by the pool aren't your thing, Norwegian Cruise Line specialises in casual, action-packed days at sea. Activities on board include an aqua park with several multi-storey waterslides, a casino, a video arcade and a sports complex featuring a basketball court and ropes course. Entertainment is top-notch and includes shows such as the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet, a rock'n'roll duelling piano show and an interactive Deal or No Deal quiz. Seven-night itineraries around the Greek islands or the Adriatic sea start from around £800. Costs can soon spiral when you factor in travel to a London airport, perhaps including an overnight stay. Itineraries with Tui's Marella Cruises include flights from a huge choice of regional UK airports including Exeter, Southampton, Bristol, Bournemouth and Southampton. Fares (under £1,000) also include meals, snacks, transfers, tips and selected alcoholic drinks so you'll know exactly what you're getting on board and won't need to splash out in spendy spots like Barcelona, Valencia, Naples and Palma. A strict budget doesn't necessarily mean cutting time on board. Carnival Cruise Line has a range of itineraries longer than seven nights, all starting at under £1,000. These include nine and 12-day voyages around the Greek Islands and Turkey with a stop in the picturesque Greek port of Katakolon to visit nearby ancient Olympia. You'll have no problem filling sea days on board either as Carnival offers a packed schedule of complimentary entertainment including comedy shows, poolside movies under the stars, karaoke, Eighties-themed parties, pickleball and mini golf. Additional reporting by Siobhan Grogan and Qin Xie • Best Mediterranean cruises• Best round-the-world cruises
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Eight things to do in New York including the free 'park in the sky'
Yellow taxis weave in between rows of twinkling lights and concrete blocks. I tower above them, having grappled with my fear of heights to traverse New York's fourth-tallest skyscraper. Observing the city from One Vanderbilt's observation deck, 1,207ft from the ground, is a knee-wobbling introduction to Manhattan. In its 400th year, the city is dynamic and vibrant. First established as New Amsterdam in the 1620s by Dutch colonists, the relatively small settlement grew in the 18th century following multiple immigration waves. NYC's most famous district is Manhattan, an area dotted with historical landmarks that produce feelings of dizzying awe. Eager to delve in, I'm there on a short break. Jumping on to my hotel bed after a long flight, I turn my eyes to the window and catch a glimpse of the jewel in the crown. Once the tallest building in the city, the Empire State Building, renowned for its distinctive Art Deco facade, is an emblem of New York ambition, a reminder of a time when the city represented luxury, glamour and exuberance. A highlight of staying at the NH Collection on Madison Avenue is gazing at the remarkable views. Situated in a century-old red-brick building, the hotel is a cosy haven that charms with its period features and decor. Attached to the property is Italian restaurant Serafina, which provides a relaxed setting for a buffet breakfast and a lively dining experience at night. The hotel's overall design scheme is mid-century modern, with little flourishes that transport you back to 1950s' New York – think typewriters and historical knick-knacks. Nearby, the High Line is a walkway that places you at eye level with the Manhattan buildings. The space, featuring swathes of greenery, built on a historic freight rail line that was abandoned in the 1980s. As I walk through the 'park in the sky', I admire art installations and architecture, catching the scent of flowers or freshly baked bread from nearby bagel shops. I then make my way to Chelsea Market, a centre of food and retail in the city's Meatpacking District. The High Line trains that once delivered produce to the wholesale butchers of the area are now swathes of pungent eateries, a foodie's idea of heaven. Opting for a more luxurious lunch, I dine at the rooftop restaurant at RH New York, another spot that boasts views of the Manhattan skyline. Mixing Mediterranean-style cuisine with American touches, the lunch menu offers grilled meats, signature salads and caviar three different ways. Proof there's much more to the restaurant scene than chips and burgers, abcV is a plant-based restaurant from Jean-Georges Vongerichten. I visit for the evening, enjoying the clean, white aesthetic and plates of impressive vegetables. Places like this are representative of New York, welcoming the new while paying tribute to the old, with dishes influenced by the people and places that make the city what it is. An area of New York steeped in tradition is the Bronx. The Ramirez brothers, who run the Bronx Beer Hall, are helping to change perceptions of the borough, which was often portrayed as being dangerous in the 80s and 90s. Their beer hall in Arthur Avenue Retail Market welcomes tourists and locals – old men roll cigars at the front and locals sell deli meats further back. As the city's financial district, Manhattan offers a more polished experience, but both are equally impressive. In fact, each borough offers something unique. While Queens is known for its international food scene and arty neighbourhoods, Staten Island has a more relaxed feel to it, dressed with green spaces that act as an escape from the throng of the city. Then there's Brooklyn, with its trendy coffee shops and historic brownstone buildings that attract Instagram influencers. On my last day in the city, I visit Central Park, a huge green space that acts as an oasis within the metropolis. I recognise this park from films and TV shows – Friends, Home Alone 2, and Enchanted are just some that come to mind as I sit on a bench and eat a bagel packed to the brim with fillings. Reflecting on my short stay, I wonder how long it would take for me to explore every brownstone building, skyscraper, bagel shop, museum and park. Wildly different in so many ways, New York has also carved out a distinctive identity over the years. All too often, fact never lives up to fiction – but New York is just as wonderful as I hoped it would be. BOOK IT Rooms at the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue hotel start at around £158 a night. GET THERE Flights to New York City are available from airports across the UK. MORE INFO
