They were designed for sheikhs who dreamed of a Turkish fairy tale, but today they are viral ruins: the 732 castles of Burj Al Babas

Burj Al Babas is a failed real estate development located in the hills of northwestern Turkey, situated midway between Istanbul and Ankara. The project consists of 732 castle-style homes originally designed to appeal to wealthy clients seeking a Turkish fairytale aesthetic. Today, the extensive development stands as an abandoned and heavily photographed ruin.

Originally intended for affluent buyers such as Middle Eastern sheikhs, the ambitious housing project ultimately collapsed, leaving hundreds of uniform, castle-inspired structures vacant across the Turkish landscape. The site has since gained widespread attention as one of the most photographed failed real estate ventures in the world.