Demolition of 'world's most ridiculous building' in Turkiye to take 3 months

KAHRAMANMARAS, Turkiye

A building in southern Turkiye, which long topped Google's results as the "world's most ridiculous building," is all set to be demolished.

Hayrettin Gungor, the mayor of Kahramanmaras province -- where the building is located, said it could take three months to demolish it.

It was built 30 years ago as a special provincial business center but was always criticized for standing out awkwardly in the cityscape, he said.

The 18-story structure has been an attraction with its exterior colors of red, yellow, and blue, and its tall strange columns taking up almost half of the bottom floors.

After carrying out a survey, it was decided that the building should be demolished, he said.

A new project will take off at the site after the demolition, the mayor added.

The people of Kahramanmaras welcomed the move.

Ismail Kazan, a resident, said he was demoralized due to the criticism from tourists who saw the building.

Mehmet Fatih Baltutan, another resident, said that the city would have a more beautiful appearance with a square instead of a building.

Ismet Gedikli, who has been living in Kahramanmaras for 30 years, said vehicle and pedestrian traffic will now move smoothly.