• Crumbling model dinosaurs at the abandoned Wonderland Eurasia theme park near the Turkish capital of Ankara. AFP
    Crumbling model dinosaurs at the abandoned Wonderland Eurasia theme park near the Turkish capital of Ankara. AFP
  • The former attraction opened in March 2019 with the ambition of being 'Europe's largest theme park' but shut down within a year. AFP
    The former attraction opened in March 2019 with the ambition of being 'Europe's largest theme park' but shut down within a year. AFP
  • Wonderland Eurasia, previously known as Ankapark, has been left to rot since. Reuters
    Wonderland Eurasia, previously known as Ankapark, has been left to rot since. Reuters
  • The park had 17 roller coasters, the second-most worldwide. It was closed permanently in February 2020. AFP
    The park had 17 roller coasters, the second-most worldwide. It was closed permanently in February 2020. AFP
  • Political turmoil, uneven ride quality and a lack of attendance caused the massive park to close its doors after less than a year of operation. AFP
    Political turmoil, uneven ride quality and a lack of attendance caused the massive park to close its doors after less than a year of operation. AFP
  • Abandoned dinosaur statues. AFP
    Abandoned dinosaur statues. AFP
  • The project, built by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, cost hundreds of millions of dollars. AFP
    The project, built by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, cost hundreds of millions of dollars. AFP
  • Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had delivered a rousing speech at the opening ceremony of Wonderland Eurasia, but now even this lion looks fed up with his lot. AFP
    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had delivered a rousing speech at the opening ceremony of Wonderland Eurasia, but now even this lion looks fed up with his lot. AFP
  • Wonderland Eurasia theme park is left to gather dust. AFP
    Wonderland Eurasia theme park is left to gather dust. AFP
  • This dinosaur has lost much of its ferocity. AFP
    This dinosaur has lost much of its ferocity. AFP
  • The much-vaunted theme park has been reduced to its bare bones. AFP
    The much-vaunted theme park has been reduced to its bare bones. AFP
  • What remains of the site is an eyesore. Reuters
    What remains of the site is an eyesore. Reuters

MENA

Inside Turkey's desolate theme park - in pictures

Despite its ambition to be 'Europe's largest amusement park', the park shut down within a year

The National

July 28, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

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Updated: July 28, 2022, 10:55 AM
TurkeyPhotography