What do Ukraine's Mezhyhirya Residence, Turkmenistan's Oguzhan Palace, and Turkey's Presidential Complex have in common? All were built at enormous expense, flaunting lavish amenities and sprawling grounds -- monuments to the wealth and power of authoritarian rule.
Here's a look at some of the world's grandest presidential residences, where opulence meets political might.
UKRAINE, Novi Petrivtsi: Mezhyhirya Residence
Mezhyhirya was Viktor Yanukovych's residence during his time as Ukraine's prime minister and president until he fled amid the 2014 Maidan Revolution. Now a "museum of corruption," it boasts a car museum, golf course, zoo, fountains, helicopter pad, and even a church -- showcasing the former leader's lavish lifestyle.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, Abu Dhabi: Qasr Al-Watan
Qasr Al-Watan, the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates, was completed in 2017 and opened to the public in 2019. Built at a cost of $490 million, this predominantly white palace houses historical artifacts and manuscripts while also displaying diplomatic gifts received by the U.A.E.
TURKEY, Ankara: Presidential Complex
The Presidential Palace in Ankara, also known as Ak Saray (White Palace), was completed in 2014 for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Built on former forest land, it boasts over 1,100 rooms and officially cost around $615 million, though critics say the true price was much higher. The complex includes a mosque with a capacity of around 3,000 and Turkey's largest library, with a collection of more than 4 million books.
RUSSIA, Gelendzhik: 'Putin's Palace'
This palace complex on the Black Sea coast near Gelendzhik is rumored to be Vladimir Putin's residence, with speculation about its existence dating back to 2010. In 2021, the late Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny released an investigative documentary claiming the palace was built for the Russian president at a cost of around $1.4 billion. According to the investigation, the complex features an underground hockey stadium, a theater, a vineyard, and a church. It also has a no-fly zone, and boats passing must give it a wide berth. Putin has denied ownership, while Russian oligarch Arkady Rotenberg claims the palace is his.
RUSSIA, Moscow Region: Novo-Ogaryovo
Novo-Ogaryovo is Vladimir Putin's state residence located outside Moscow. Originally constructed in the 1950s, the estate underwent extensive renovations under Putin's direction after 2000. According to some reports, areas have been added to the compound recently, including a recreational facility belonging to Russia's Federal Protection Service (FSO), heliports, and even air-defense systems. There might also be a tunnel leading from the FSO facility to Putin's residence.
TAJIKISTAN, Dushanbe: Palace Of The Nation
The Palace of the Nation, completed in 2008, is the official residence of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. To make space for the palace, a 100-year-old synagogue and other buildings in the neighborhood were controversially demolished. Built for $300 million, the palace is surrounded by parks, fountains, and other notable landmarks, including the Independence Monument and the Dushanbe Flagpole, which rises to a height of 165 meters and was once the tallest in the world.
TURKMENISTAN, Ashgabat: Oguzhan Presidential Palace
The Oguzhan complex is the official residence and workplace of Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhammedov. Named after an ancient Turkmen tribal leader, it has been home to the country's presidents since the 1990s. In 2011, a new palace and additional facilities were added at a cost of approximately $350 million. A state reception house and a square for parades and other state events are currently under construction in front of the palace.