A film set from a galaxy far, far away: Haunting images show abandoned Star Wars props deep in the Tunisian desert

  • Luke Skywalker's home still exists in Tozeur, as does the set of Mos Espa, and much has been left intact
  • Tataouine is the town in Tunisia that inspired George Lucas to name his fictional desert planet Tatooine
  • With Star Wars: The Force Awakens released worldwide on December 17, fans could flock to Tunisian desert 

By John Hutchinson for MailOnline

Published: 06:39 EST, 6 December 2015 | Updated: 07:47 EST, 6 December 2015

This is one pilgrimage every Star Wars fan should look to make.

Deep in the deserts of Tunisia stand the abandoned sets from the first three films of the blockbuster franchise.

These surreal photographs are instantly familiar to any fan of Star Wars - they show the landscape of Tatooine, where Luke Skywalker grew up in the sci-fi blockbuster.

Tataouine is the town in Tunisia that inspired George Lucas to name his fictional desert planet Tatooine.

And while it wasn't actually used during filming, several scenes were shot just on the outskirts of the town and in the nearby beach town of Djerba.

For die-hard fans, Luke Skywalker's home still exists in Tozeur, as does the set of Mos Espa - and almost everything has been left intact over the years in the Sahara Desert.

Tunisia, where much of the sci-fi classic was filmed, was a popular tourist destination before being caught up in the 'Arab Spring' of 2011, and is now trying to rebuild its tourism industry. 

The newest installment of the hit film series is set for release on December 17, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

Here, MailOnline Travel takes a look at some of the fascinating sets left behind that will bring fond memories for dedicated Star Wars fans around the world.  

Scroll down for video 

The sets are visible in Tunisian desert nearly four decades after the first film was filmed; this is Ong Jemel near Tozeur

The sets are visible in Tunisian desert nearly four decades after the first film was filmed; this is Ong Jemel near Tozeur

Most scenes were filmed just outside of the town in Tozeur, where the set of Mos Espa still stands, complete with homes and vaporators

Most scenes were filmed just outside of the town in Tozeur, where the set of Mos Espa still stands, complete with homes and vaporators

These toilets are literally in the middle of nowhere, as the Star Wars sets once surrounding were taken away or destroyed

These toilets are literally in the middle of nowhere, as the Star Wars sets once surrounding were taken away or destroyed

This house was the home of Luke Skywalker on Tatooine in the Star Wars films, although now it has lost some of its whitened colour

This house was the home of Luke Skywalker on Tatooine in the Star Wars films, although now it has lost some of its whitened colour

And here is Luke Skywalker pictured with his uncle coming out of their house in 1977's Star Wars, still available to see today

And here is Luke Skywalker pictured with his uncle coming out of their house in 1977's Star Wars, still available to see today

In Tunisia, the town of Tataouine actually inspired George Lucas to name his fictional desert plan Tatooine

In Tunisia, the town of Tataouine actually inspired George Lucas to name his fictional desert plan Tatooine

Tunisia, where much of the sci-fi classic was filmed, was a popular tourist destination before being caught up in the 'Arab Spring' of 2011

Tunisia, where much of the sci-fi classic was filmed, was a popular tourist destination before being caught up in the 'Arab Spring' of 2011

These vaporators (pictured to left), that were used to capture moisture from the air, were featured in the films and have never been removed from the desert

These vaporators (pictured to left), that were used to capture moisture from the air, were featured in the films and have never been removed from the desert

In the films, Tatooine is a scorching planet warmed by two suns - making the unforgiving Tunisian desert the perfect place to film

In the films, Tatooine is a scorching planet warmed by two suns - making the unforgiving Tunisian desert the perfect place to film

With so much sci-fi history in the desert, many are hoping the new release of the Star Wars film will bring tourists to Tunisia

With so much sci-fi history in the desert, many are hoping the new release of the Star Wars film will bring tourists to Tunisia

The sci-fi epic film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is set to be released worldwide on December 17 bringing the much-loved characters back to the fore

The sci-fi epic film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is set to be released worldwide on December 17 bringing the much-loved characters back to the fore

Filmmakers never got round to removing the set from the uninhabited Chott el Djerid region, and despite their relative decay, they can provide some awe-inspiring memories

Filmmakers never got round to removing the set from the uninhabited Chott el Djerid region, and despite their relative decay, they can provide some awe-inspiring memories

The advance of the desert have seen much of the original set destroyed, but evidence remains to please fans everywhere

The advance of the desert have seen much of the original set destroyed, but evidence remains to please fans everywhere

Tunisia, where the ruins can be found, used to be a popular tourist hotspot - there is renewed hope that the new release could stimulate the economy once again

Tunisia, where the ruins can be found, used to be a popular tourist hotspot - there is renewed hope that the new release could stimulate the economy once again

Tunisia could try to use its Star Wars legacy to attract visitors once again, where they will be transported to Tatooine

Tunisia could try to use its Star Wars legacy to attract visitors once again, where they will be transported to Tatooine

The original sets, using buildings that were already there as well as props such as the vaporators, can provide enjoyment for all the family

The original sets, using buildings that were already there as well as props such as the vaporators, can provide enjoyment for all the family

The desert planet of Tatooine provided the setting for many of the series' most memorable setpieces involving much-loved characters

The desert planet of Tatooine provided the setting for many of the series' most memorable setpieces involving much-loved characters

This is the Sidi Driss Hotel at Matmata that will be hoping it can cash in on the upcoming film release

This is the Sidi Driss Hotel at Matmata that will be hoping it can cash in on the upcoming film release

Hotel Sidi Driss in southern Tunisia is traditional troglodyte accommodation and was used in the making of the Star Wars films

Hotel Sidi Driss in southern Tunisia is traditional troglodyte accommodation and was used in the making of the Star Wars films

 

 

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