Located on the sunny southern coast of Cyprus, Varosha is a ghost town that tells the story of a vibrant past now silenced by decades of abandonment. Once the jewel in the crown of tourism on the island, its abandoned streets and crumbling exterior walls carry stories of sudden departure and the passage of time, uncompromising to the existence of humanity. This article invites you to embark on a journey through the haunted beauty of Varosha, exploring its history, current state, and controversies surrounding its reopening.
Varosha’s Prime and Allure
Before 1974, Varosha was not just a small town; it epitomized luxury and charm on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Its beach, known as the best in Cyprus, was lined with skyscrapers and charming shopping areas. This was a place where wealthy people and celebrities, including idols such as Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Brigitte Bardot, would escape and bask in its beauty. During its golden age, Varosha attracted approximately 700,000 tourists and 39,000 residents annually, making it one of the most coveted destinations in the world.
Varosha’s Downfall and Present State
However, in 1974, after a coup backed by the Greek government, Türkiye took control of northern Cyprus, shattering the idyllic environment. The invasion led to the rapid evacuation of tens of thousands of Greek Cypriots, who left their homes and lives, hoping to return after the tension subsided. The once bustling resort town turned into a ghost town overnight. Except for the Turkish army, everyone was forbidden to enter, and the once bustling streets were abandoned as nature began to reclaim what remained.
For decades, Varosha has been a restricted area, surrounded by fences and military signs, in stark contrast to the once prosperous community. In 1984, the United Nations declared that Varosha should be under its control and stated that only indigenous peoples could resettle there. Nevertheless, despite global developments, the town remains under the control of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Its buildings are crumbling, and its streets are empty.
In 2020, when a few regions returned to general society, this phantom town by and by pulled in overall consideration. Albeit this move permitted individuals to witness the past, it started contention and exacerbated strains between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot people group. With the backing of the Turkish Cypriots and the Türkiye specialists, the returning is focused on the likely recreation and resettlement of the area. Be that as it may, this has confronted opposition however many consider it to be an incitement and a dismissal for the mind boggling history and native privileges of the town.
Today, tourists holding valid passports can walk along the fenced area of Varosha and observe its ghostly ruins of past glory. Decayed buildings, abandoned vehicles, and overgrown natural attractions create an unforgettable yet strangely charming landscape. Tourists can now swim in the waters of Varosha and tour the crumbling buildings under the guidance of a tour guide, learning about the complex history of the resort town. However, most areas of Varosha are still under lockdown, and these buildings are considered unsafe to enter.
The tale of Varosha significantly reminds us of the fleetingness of human accomplishment and the profound impact of political conflicts. It stands as a landmark to the past, a warning to the future, and an oddity to the present. As Varosha gradually awakens from its long sleep, its future remains uncertain, caught between the desire to recover and the preservation of its eerie, time-frozen beauty.
Varosha is not just a ghost city; it proves the resilience of nature and the lasting scars of human conflicts. As the world gazes at its crumbling exterior walls and overgrown streets, it serves as a poignant reminder of what we have lost and may never recover. However, on the desolate streets, people silently hope that one day Varosha may find peace and perhaps a new beginning.
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