Have you ever heard of Varosha? It's a ghost town in Famagusta, in the unrecognized North Cypriot state in Cyprus. This once-bustling city was abandoned in the summer of 1974 when its citizens fled during the Turkish invasion, and today it stands eerily still and silent.
Varosha has been largely forgotten, but recently it has started to reclaim its place in history as a major tourist destination — even if visiting is still forbidden. If you're intrigued by tales of ruined cities or hidden gems that most travelers don't know about, then Varosha should absolutely be on your itinerary. Read on to learn more about this unique destination and why the stories of Varosha need to be remembered.
 |
| By Julienbzh35 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8471436 |
The Rise and Fall of Varosha, a Popular Cyprus Resort Town
Varosha, the abandoned resort town of Cyprus, has a complex history. Situated in the divided city of Famagusta, Varosha was once a booming beachfront destination for tourists and locals alike. In its prime it was known as the “Jewel of Cyprus” and a paradise by the sea.
But in 1974, when the Turkish army invaded Famagusta, everything stopped. The vibrant city quickly became a ghost town after almost all of its residents were forced to flee and the area was sealed off from both locals and internationals for over 40 years.
Today, Varosha remains divided between Turkish-controlled north and Greek-Cypriot controlled south. It stands as a reminder of Cyprus’ troubled past with its deteriorated buildings, closed resorts and empty streets—all caught in time since 1974.
Varosha After the Turkish Invasion: A City Frozen in Time
After the occupation of Cyprus by Turkey in 1974, Varosha was abandoned. It quickly became a ghost town, with all the buildings left as if it had been paused in time. The streets remain empty and still show signs of when the last inhabitants left, with sheets and curtains still blowing in the wind from open windows and crumbling balconies overlooking a city that once was.
The entire beach area has been cordoned off and what is left can only be described as an eerie reminder of what this place used to be: an idyllic paradise for Hollywood stars and other international travelers. Now, it is nothing more than a ghostly relic of its former self; a locked away secret that has been slowly deteriorating over time.
As you walk through this ancient city - which has become known as "the forbidden city" - it's hard not to be taken aback by the stark contrast between past glory and present exile. It serves as a reminder of both life prior to social unrest and what can happen when peace is disturbed by political turmoil; A grim reminder of what human conflict can do to the human spirit when unchecked.
Walking Through the Abandoned Streets of Varosha
When you step through the gates of Varosha, you're walking through a city frozen in time. Once a vibrant resort destination, now all that's left are fountains that don't flow and ancient buildings that may never be inhabited again.
It's an eerie experience, exploring the otheright side-walks, abandoned streets and empty buildings. It's hard to believe that just 40 years ago, the only thing distinguishing Varosha from its neighboring cities was its wealth — Now, it's a ghost town.
The silent evidence of what used to be is scattered around—an outdoor cinema with decades-old film reels laying about; a shopping center with its doors locked shut; banks boarded up and abandoned restaurants. It's like stepping into an alternate universe, one where time has stood still since 1974.
Despite so much decay and destruction; some areas have managed to remain in near-perfect condition for almost half a century — from the iconic Greek letters still standing along the beachfront to the hotel lobbies lined with ancient artifacts, this lost city offers an eerie yet fascinating experience like no other.
The Derelict Hotels of Varosha Beach
When it comes to the forgotten city of Varosha, one of the most notable places people explore is the beach. There, you can find plenty of derelict hotels that have been left abandoned since 1974.
It's easy to imagine just how grand these hotels used to be; many of them are still in remarkably good condition for their age. But these days they stand silent and empty, with no tourists or holidaymakers checking in.
The beautiful ruins of Varosha Beach offer a stark contrast to what it used to be before the invasion happened: a buzzing hotspot for A-list celebrities and wealthy travelers. Even during the tourist season, when other resorts in Cyprus would have hundreds of visitors, here everything is empty and still.
It's as if time has suddenly stopped here — there are swimming pools with leaves strewn across the tiles; there are beds underwater in some parts due to storm flooding; there are balconies scattered with broken furniture; and crumbling lobbies full of forgotten memories.
And yet despite all this destruction, nature continues to thrive here — with plants growing under hotel balconies, and birds chirping without any interruption from humans or cars passing by.
Nature Reclaims the City: Varosha Today
You may be wondering what Varosha looks like now. In 1974, the Turkish military invaded the city, and in response, the remaining citizens left in a hurry, leaving behind their homes and possessions.
Today, Varosha is an eerie ghost town. With no people to tend to them since 1974, nature has been reclaiming the city for decades. Trees sprout up along streets while vines have tangled around abandoned buildings and streets are littered with rusting cars.
But if you do decide to visit Varosha, keep in mind that access is restricted by the Turkish military and visitors are subject to search or arrest from time to time. Taking pictures of any military installations or activities is strictly prohibited and can even lead to further penalties.
The Future of Varosha: Will It Ever Reopen?
You may be wondering: what will happen to the abandoned city of Varosha? Will it ever reopen?
At this point in time, that's a difficult question to answer. It definitely won't be easy: Varosha is a ghost town, with buildings rundown, crumbling and destroyed over time. Not to mention the legal and political complexities involved in reclaiming the area.
However, there is hope on the horizon. The current mayor of Famagusta and representatives from both sides of the Green Line have called for access to Varosha through controlled demilitarization, allowing only construction workers and business owners into the city. This type of process has already been successful in other places like Mogadishu and Goma, so there is hope that it can work here too.
At this point, it seems as though Varosha will remain off-limits for some time until a resolution can be reached politically. Until then, this forgotten city will remain a place of mystery and fascination — an enduring symbol of both conflict and possibility in Cyprus.
Conclusion
In short, exploring Varosha, Cyprus' ghost town is a unique and powerful experience. It is a stark reminder of the devastating power of war and a symbol of what can be achieved when we work together to promote peace. It is both a reminder of the tragedy that led to its abandonment and a sign of hope for a better future. Whether you choose to explore the city on your own or on a guided tour, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Comments
Post a Comment