It’s strangely empty.
It’s uniquely abandoned.
And it’s just sad; nothing else.
Varosha!
Varosha, also known by its Turkish name Maraş, is the Southern quarter of Famagusta City, Cyprus – an island country in the Middle East.
Highly strategic place skillfully constructed in a region where it will be most beneficial or have the most significant impact.
The world’s most famous publications have mentioned Varosha as the ‘Las Vegas of the Eastern Mediterranean.’
They now mention Varosha as the ‘Forever Ghost Town‘ and the ‘Stolen Riviera of the Eastern Mediterranean.’
Varosha, with its white, sandy beaches and luxurious hotels, was once the pride of the eastern Mediterranean island’s thriving tourism economy.
Before the island split, European elites spent their summer vacation there. Sounds fancy. Isn’t it?
Wait. the split?
A Brief History of Varosha, Cyprus
Cyprus consists mainly of Greek-speaking Cypriots and, to a lesser extent, Turkish-speaking Cypriots – Yes, that is what the people of Cyprus are called.
Even though many empires ruled Cyprus, in the 1900s, there was a growing desire in Greece to reclaim part of the country, Cyprus, that had formerly belonged to them.
Due to the Greek invasion and capture, the Turkish-speaking minority fled to the north from all around the country.
The Greek-speaking people fled their homes in the north to the south, never to return.
And the U.N. created a buffer zone separating the two sides, leaving Varosha abandoned, empty, and highly militarized.
Varosha used to be one of the top tourist destinations in the 1960s.
The rich and famous claimed Varosha as the most beautiful spot on the island, with splendid beaches for summer holidays, sky-scraping hotels, and whatnot.
But now, the situation is totally opposite. Varosha is a ghost town under Turkish Authority.
Situation now in Rivera, Eastern Mediterranean?
Varosha is not entirely abandoned now.
- Entering Varosha had been highly prohibited for decades. In 2003, travelling between the two sides was allowed, and only in 2007 entry to Varosha was opened to civilians.
- Visitors to Varosha must obtain authorisation from the Turkish Authority and other appropriate authorities.
- The visitors can only stay on the road and are never allowed to enter any of the buildings in the city. If they do, they get arrested.
- The whole city is monitored with cameras, and there will be military personnel to watch out.
Yes, the Riviera of the Eastern Mediterranean is stolen.
However, beyond all the drama, there is still hope in the form of the youth organisation – Bicommunal Network of Cypriot Youth – with the main drives of Unity and Hope.
The Bicommunal Network of Cypriot Youth strives to create a safe space for Cypriot youth (Greek and Turkish) to interact, collaborate, and promote their shared identity, culture, and customs. It’s a great initiative.
On the other hand, “However, tourists and residents may soon be able to inhabit Varosha again.” – Insider, the global news publication, mentions.
For all the agony that the residents have gone through all these years, let’s hope for them!”
