From Wonderland to wasteland: Abandoned theme park reveals Turkey’s turmoil

Wonderland Eurasia opened in March 2019 but shut down last year because of a string of mishaps and of course, the pandemic. — Photos: ADEM ALTAN/AFP

The decaying dinosaur toys outside the abandoned theme park tell the tale of grand ambition, waste and troubles facing the long-ruling party of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The problems started early for Wonderland Eurasia, meant to be Europe’s largest amusement venue and billed by Erdogan as “a symbol of pride” at its opening in Ankara in March 2019.