Referans said Abramovich began showing interest in the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus three years ago. Last year, he bought a land plot in Arapkoy for $5 million and began building a cottage village there. The project is to be completed by the end of 2007.
The Turkish paper said Abramovich seemed interested in investing in the tourism business. In 2005, he bought the posh Istanbul Safisa Hotel in Antalya, which will be inaugurated later this year.
Last week, the businessman traveled around the Turkish mainland resorts of Bodrum and Marmaris, on the Aegean Sea, and Istanbul, Referans said.
The Turkish press also said Abramovich has bought an unfinished hotel, the Keyland, in Marmaris, and is interested in a land plot in the resort town of Kushadasy, on the Aegean Sea, which he is ready to buy for $350 million.
He is also planning to acquire a villa in the Bosporus Strait.