“Pride before a fall” describes Ankapark. Once envisioned as a symbol of Turkish pride, it now stands as a testament to abandoned dreams.
Ankapark, initially known as Wonderland Eurasia, opened its gates in Ankara on March 20, 2019. The park boasted 17 roller coasters. This put it in the top tier worldwide for coaster count.
The story of Ankapark began in 2013. Melih Gökçek, then mayor of Ankara, sought name suggestions for a grand amusement park. It was to be built on the Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo’s land. This land was originally donated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Construction faced numerous hurdles. In 2014, the Council of State halted work. Concerns arose about tarnishing the land’s legacy. The Administrative Court of Ankara also intervened.
Despite legal challenges, progress continued. By 2015, a roller coaster and ferris wheel were tested. An overpass was built to improve access.
By August 2017, Ankapark neared completion. An underpass was added for easier entry. The total project cost soared to 2 billion TL. That is about 800 million US dollars.
In September 2018, GBM Ticaret-Çelik acquired the park’s lease for 29 years. January 2019 brought an opening date announcement.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared Ankapark would open sooner than expected. On March 20, 2019, the park finally welcomed visitors.
Sadly, Ankapark’s glory was short-lived. It closed permanently in February 2020. Low attendance and the COVID-19 pandemic sealed its fate. The park had cost over 800 million US dollars.
In July 2022, the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality took over Ankapark. A survey asked residents how the site should be used. The overwhelming response? Transform it into a green space.
Ankapark had a wide array of attractions. Seventeen roller coasters thrilled riders. These included the Altin Madeni Coaster and the Ejderha Uçuşu. There was also the Lightspeed and the Monster Wave.
At its peak, Ankapark aimed to be Europe’s largest theme park. It covered 1.3 million square meters. It housed 2,117 smaller rides within 13 tent structures and outdoor areas. A fountain shot water 120 meters high. Planners anticipated five million annual visitors.
Problems plagued Ankapark from the start. Two days after opening, a roller coaster broke down. Bathrooms were in poor condition. Construction remained unfinished. Operators struggled with wages and electricity bills.
Ankapark became a target for thieves. They sought cables and equipment. Political scandals further tarnished its image.
Today, Ankapark stands as a cautionary tale. It serves as a concrete reminder of corruption and waste. Once a symbol of pride, it is now a symbol of unfulfilled potential. The rides stand lifeless. Weeds reclaim the grounds.