Throughout history, there have been mentions of numerous abandoned civilizations. Just like these civilizations, there are alot of cities that are left abandoned. There are thousands of abandoned enchanting places that we don’t know about or will never be able to perceive for what they were in the past, because of the crisis they faced or sudden isolation of the place. I wonder about the places that lost their spell with time—because of wars, politics, climate crisis and other such tragedies. I fear if the future generation will be deprived of such enchanting wealth, of revolutionary art, architecture just the way we did. The same goes with this small southern quarter of the city of Famagusta, called Varosha, Cyprus. Let us know about Varosha for what it was and what it could be, if it wasn’t abducted. Let’s get to the brief introduction of the quarters.
Varosha, a southern quarter of Famagusta, known as the French Riviera of Cyprus, used to be the most renowned tourist spot in Cyprus before 1974. The city was a popular and precious destination for almost 100 years before the Turkish invasion. It was known for its beautiful stretch of beaches, the architecture, the location and much more. When it started rising as a famous spot among the tourists, the quaint town started constructing resorts, hotels to lure more tourists. But, the Turkish invasion of 1974 changed the whole course of the city.
The Turkish Invasion of 1974 | Varosha Cyprus
In 1974, amid the tensions between Greek and the Turkish troops, the Turkish army invaded the northern part of Cyprus.The crisis commenced as the Turkish army penetrated the border between the two regions. Dreading a massacre, the entire population rushed hours before both the armies met in combat on the street.The Turkish force fenced the area and it has been abandoned since. The evacuation of the people was led by a nearby British military base. Finally, on 20th July 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and hindered a once renowned, culturally diverse destination, to an untouched place.
The European court has awarded around €100,000 and €8,000 to each Greek Cypriots as they were left homeless and deprived of livelihood. The new territory is known as Turkish occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus by the international community.
Varosha before the War
Varosha was acclaimed for its beauty, views and hospitality. Among all other things, this city had beautiful destinations of historical importance. Varosha had a Kennedy avenue, a well-known street that ran close to the port of Famagusta, through Varosha and Glossa beach.
The spot consists of numerous hotels, including the King George hotel, the Asterisms hotel, the Grecian hotel, and the Elizabeth hotel. Another major street of Varosha was Leonidas, a major street that came off JFK avenue till the Vienna corner. It was known for its nightlife, dining and ambience.
Varosha at Present
Once known as a resort town, Varosha quickly fell into despair. Once lit with happy faces and laughs of people, this town resonates eerie silence now. The current situation is every resident’s nightmare. The hotels have collapsed. There are remnants of the people who lived or worked here. After the onset of war, residents immediately isolated the area intending to return when things cooled down.
Among the numerous things left untouched, people left their weddings and their wedding presents in the attic because of the threat. The threat was so severe that some people evacuated their homes with food on the stove.
Once the epitome of beauty, this place is now a barren ghostland with barricades, outgrown vegetables, infestation, and fallen fences. The streets are lined with decaying buildings. However, according to some sources, various buildings and structures are largely the way the residents left them. Many Cypriots recall Cyprus as a paradise as opposed to the current situation. However, the current situation is not less than a post-apocalyptic nightmare.
UN Intervention amid Tensions
Turkey decided to open the mile-long stretch of beach, recognised only by Ankara and hence condemned by the Greek Cypriot. There had been tensions rigging among the two regions regarding the opening of the beach. The Cypriot President called the opening a violation of international law. The United Nations had to intervene and decided to have a meeting regarding closing the beach to avoid the built-up tension. However, Turkey decided to open the whole region of Varosha to tourists.
Reopening of Varosha | Varosha Cyprus
Amid all the rumours, Turkish Cypriot prime minister Erin Tatar revealed his vision on opening some parts of Varosha. Authorities had already given hints on the opening of the current ghost town. They boasted about 12,000 hotel rooms to be opened. It meant the tourists could return to Varosha—but this has only caused danger. In 2020, the military took the long-kept fencing to open the beachfront. Streams of Turkish Cypriots went through the fences to have a look at the deserted suburb of Famagusta. This caused protests led by the Greek Cypriots, who gathered at various checkpoints to show their disapproval.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades called the move “an illegal and clear violation of international law and U.N. Security Council resolutions”. The President said that he would bring in the light of the United Nations to raise the issue with its European Union partners.
References:
- Erin McDowell Sep 3, 2020, 1:34 AM. A ghost town in Cyprus that was abandoned in the 1970s may soon open to the public again — take a look inside
Available at – https://www.insider.com/ghost-town-varosha-cyprus-photos-2020-9
- Published8 October 2020. Varosha: Turkey reopens deserted Cyprus resort but tourists will wait.
Available at – https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54465684
- Helena Smith in Athens, Fri, 9th, 2020. Cyprus asks UN to step in as beach in north is opened after 46 years
Available at – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/09/terrible-day-anger-as-pictures-show-varosha-beach-in-cyprus-opening-after-46-years
- BY DAILY SABAH WITH AA, JUN 07, 2020. Reopening of ‘ghost town’ Varosha to gain momentum after COVID-19 pandemic
Available at – https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/reopening-of-ghost-town-varosha-to-gain-momentum-after-covid-19-pandemic
