The ghost town of Famagusta in Cyprus attracts tourists with its originality. Back in the relatively recent 60s, one of the most fashionable resorts in the Mediterranean flourished here, and the local beaches were visited by the most famous celebrities. Now, Famagusta is an exclusion zone, surrounded by barbed wire and guarded around the clock by Turkish gendarmes. Time stood still in Famagusta in 1974, and this story is about the places abandoned by people and frozen in time - something between Cuba and Chernobyl nuclear power plant. But we'll start from the beginning.
From antiquity to the Middle Ages
Just 6 km north of modern city Famagusta in Cyprus was once home to the richest and most powerful polis on the island - Salamis (another name is Salamis), founded, according to legend, immediately after the Trojan War by Teucer Telamonides. For more than a millennium, this policy was the capital of the Cypriot kings and the center of trade in the Eastern Mediterranean. On the coast near Salamis in the 3rd century. BC. Ptolemy II, king of Hellenized Egypt and an ally of Rome, founded another polis - Arsinoe.
For more than a millennium, Salamis was the capital of the Cypriot kings and the center of trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Earthquakes of 332 and 342 Both cities were not spared. The Roman Emperor Constantius gave preference to Salamis (renamed Constantius) and rebuilt it again. Soon this city became the center of the Cypriot Church, and on the ruins of Arsinoe a small fishing settlement arose - Famagusta. In the 7th century Her time had come: the residents of Salamis-Constancia had to leave their homes due to constant attacks by Muslim Arabs. Today, the forum-gymnasium and amphitheater of Salamis, restored during excavations, are considered practically business cards Northern Cyprus.
Richard the Lionheart, the Kings of Cyprus and the Jealous Commandant
On May 1, 1191, the fleet of the English crusader king Richard the Lionheart, heading from Rhodes to Accra, was caught in a storm. Of the four ships washed ashore, one survived, but its passengers - the king's sister and fiancee - became prisoners of the usurper of Cyprus, Isaac Komnenos. Richard's response was symmetrical: he captured the island, waiting for the emperor to leave it for a while. After this, for many years, until the end of the 13th century, Cyprus remained in the possession of the Crusaders.
During Turkish rule, St. Nicholas Cathedral was renamed the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Famagusta became a significant settlement of Cyprus only at the end of the 13th century, with the fall of the Christian kingdoms of Palestine. It was thanks to the exodus of the Crusaders that Famagusta very soon became a city where those who still dreamed of returning to the Holy Land settled. Hopes were in vain, but Famagusta turned into a rich trading port, protected by a formidable fortress.
From 1328 to 1374 representatives of the Lusignan dynasty, nominally considered the kings of Jerusalem, but in fact the kings of Cyprus, were crowned in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Famagusta. In 1374, Famagusta was annexed by Genoa, which won the war with Cyprus. The Lusignan dynasty died out in 1489, after which, according to the will of the widow of the last king, Caterina Cornaro, Cyprus passed to Venice.
Rumor has it that the story of a jealous husband and his wife, which took place here in 1508, formed the basis of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello.
In 1505, Cristoforo Moro was appointed commandant of the fortress and castle of Famagusta, which also became Venetian. The fortress has already been repaired and the castle rebuilt in the Renaissance style. According to legend, from one of its towers in 1508, Commandant Moreau threw the body of his murdered wife, whom he suspected of infidelity, and then committed suicide. This dark story formed the basis of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello.
From empires to republics
The Famagusta fortress in Cyprus is famous not only for the Othello Tower, but also for its heroic defense in 1570-71, during the siege of the city by the troops of the Turkish Sultan Selim II. The siege lasted 10 months, but the forces were clearly unequal. The Venetians had to surrender the city. One of the conditions for surrender was the unhindered exit of the surviving soldiers from Famagusta. Lala Mustafa Pasha, commander of the Turkish army that was besieging the fortress, agreed to these conditions, but did not keep his promises.
Until recently, Famagusta was one of the most fashionable resorts in the Mediterranean
Turkey owned Cyprus until 1878. In Famagusta, the southern coastal region of Varosha was allocated for Greek residence. Orthodox and Latin churches became mosques. The Cathedral of St. Nicholas (now the Lal Mustafa Pasha Mosque) also became a mosque, but the majority of Greek Cypriots continued to secretly perform Christian rituals. From 1878 to 1960 Cyprus was British colony, but the Turks and Greeks still lived separately.
In 1960, Cyprus gained independence, with both communities retaining full self-government. This allowed us to start developing the tourism business. Famagusta in Cyprus has become one of the most prestigious resorts. Among her guests were Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor with Richard Burton. In the Varosha area, full-scale construction of hotels has begun on the first line, and on the second, next to the colonial-style houses, new villas have appeared...
Ghost town of Famagusta: retribution for trust
On August 14, 1974, tanks approached Famagusta: this is how the Turkish government responded to the desire of the Greek Cypriots to reunite with Greece. On August 16, the city was occupied by Turkish troops. Residents of the Varosha region, who fled from shelling and bombing, had no idea that they were leaving their homes forever. They were told that they would be able to return as soon as the situation was resolved. The area was surrounded by concrete fences with barbed wire, and the ghost town became a cruel reality. The settlement of the situation in this area of Famagusta has been going on for 40 years...
Time stood still in Famagusta in 1974
According to a UN resolution adopted in 1984, only former local residents, however, this is prohibited by the Turkish authorities. That is why the beaches of Varosha, considered perhaps the best not only in Famagusta, but also in the Mediterranean as a whole, are deserted today. Both fashionable hotels built in the early 70s and neat Greek houses have already despaired of waiting for their owners and guests...
The Famagusta forbidden zone immediately attracted the attention of “stalkers”. Clothing, equipment, dishes - everything was looted in the first years of its existence " dead city" The “craftsmen” removed the aluminum frames from the windows, dismantled them “to the bones” and took out the furniture, and extracted all the stuffing from the abandoned cars. This is despite the fact that only Turkish gendarmes, UN representatives and a few journalists are still allowed to enter the closed area.
Entry into the closed area is still allowed only to Turkish gendarmes, UN representatives and a few journalists
However, in last years walk or drive on tourist bus along the perimeter of the “dead city” is allowed on excursions to Famagusta (Gazimagusa in Turkish), but there is still no talk of walking around the territory itself. Violators face heavy fines and subsequent deportation. All photos close-up, which can be found in blogs and media, were obtained either illegally or through special permission for foreign journalists.
Excursions: where you can and where you can’t
The ghost town of Famagusta is, of course, an exaggeration, and it is quite possible to walk along its streets, bypassing, of course, the Varosha district. But to do this, you will need to cross the border with Northern Cyprus and obtain an entry visa at the checkpoint, which is placed in a separate insert. You can do this yourself on, but it’s better to act for sure, giving preference to an excursion with a guide who knows all the ins and outs (an article about a guide in Cyprus offering excursions to Famagusta, and ask him a question about the trip through the form feedback below). And it will be much easier to see the ghost town, especially since Turkish gendarmes do not welcome citizens walking along the restricted area unaccompanied.
As part of the excursion, you can see the fortress with the Othello Tower, the sea gate, a mosque, stroll around the city, etc.
As part of such an excursion, it is usually also proposed to explore the fortress with the Othello Tower, the sea gate, the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, as well as stroll through the streets of the city, including for shopping purposes. If you no longer plan to cross the border with Northern Cyprus, it makes sense to visit other cities with ancient history, for example, to Kyrenia or Lapithos.
The history of Cyprus is complicated and controversial. This was especially noticeable in last centuries. Interethnic hatred fueled against the backdrop of a very successful geographical location and wealth natural resources, literally does not allow the island's population to develop and prosper. The golden sand of local beaches, which attracts tourists from all over the world, the warm sea, and wonderful landscapes cannot reconcile the Cypriots themselves among themselves.
Since 1974, Cyprus has become one of the most militarized places in the world. globe. But this does not prevent travelers from enjoying the colorful views of architectural monuments, beach holidays and clean air, saturated with the aromas of fragrant greenery.
Before traveling, be sure to do so only on our website.
In Famagusta there is something to see for connoisseurs of antiquity. The city is located on the Karpas Peninsula. Once upon a time, before the invasion Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, these lands were simply fabulously rich. The famous Turkish siege of the city fortress is glorified by Emilio Salgari in the exciting adventure book “Captain Tempesta”.
A stone citadel, the governor's house and ancient fortifications 15 km long surround the old city, keeping traces of the military exploits of their defenders. And on central square, among different-caliber cannons and neatly stacked cannonballs for them, between sculptures of lions, sitting on empty powder kegs in the shade of huge trees, you can taste real Turkish coffee. Narrow streets with small houses, seemingly completely untouched by civilization, transport walkers to the Middle Ages, as if in a time machine.
Othello Tower
Some argue that Shakespeare wrote the tragedy Othello based on the events that took place in one of the city towers. According to legend, the influential nobleman Cristoforo Moro killed his wife Desdemona, suspecting her of infidelity. The building is called “Othello’s Tower”. They say that somewhere in its cellars lie countless treasures hidden by Venetian merchants fleeing the Ottoman conquerors.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
In the 14th century, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas was erected here. In the late Gothic style, the temple impresses with a sense of solidity and delightful external decoration. Inside, the vaulted ceiling above elongated windows and slender columns creates an impression of sublime fullness.
In 1571 it was seriously damaged by cannonballs and almost all of the sculptural decorations disappeared. In addition, the Turks transformed it. Now it is the mosque of Lal Mustafa Pasha, one of the Ottoman military leaders. The Church of Peter and Paul, which is also an outstanding architectural monument, was also turned into a Muslim temple.
Church of St. George
In the same bombing, the Church of St. George of the Latins was practically destroyed. Built in the mid-13th century, it was the first Catholic parish church. The wall that remains standing preserves the grandeur and monumentality of the entire structure. But the palace in the Renaissance style, created in 1552-1554 by the architect Sanmicheli, was greatly rebuilt, but retained the texture and splendor of those times.
Ganchvor
In 2003, the so-called “Ganchvor” located on the territory of a Turkish military base was opened for excursions. This is a monastery built in 1346 according to all the canons of Armenian architecture. The temple was restored several times, as several times it “fell into the hands” of militant Turkish Cypriots.
Ancient Salamis
At a distance of some 7-8 km from Famagusta there is an undoubted miracle of archeology - the remains of ancient Salamis. This city was founded in the 11th century BC. hero of the Trojan War Teucer. Many myths accompany his arrival in Cyprus. The temple of Zeus erected by him, even in its state of ruins, captivates with its scale and former pomp. The marble forum, surrounded by ancient statues, whose heads, unfortunately, adorn the collections of European antiquarians, is perfectly preserved.
Fragments of mosaic panels on some walls were walled up during Christianization, so as not to confuse the people with “shameful” pictures. Thanks to this, it is now possible to delight the eye with the art of masters of distant antiquity. The stadium's stands, the amphitheater, the market and public restrooms survived. Archaeologists have discovered remains educational institution. Everything speaks about the well-being of the townspeople. But a series of earthquakes and pirate raids forced them to move to Famagusta.
Why is the ghost town
They started calling it a “ghost town” from light hand journalist from Sweden Jan Olaf Bengtson. In September 1977, he visited Varosha, a closed area of the city, and described abandoned houses and streets. The images of the desolation of the once thriving tourist center shook him to the core. Then, in August 1974, people were evacuated in a hurry; they were only allowed to take two bags with them. In a matter of hours, well-appointed high-rise buildings, fashionable hotels, shops and expensive restaurants were empty.
In his essay, Bengston wrote about the tables being set, the counters stocked with goods, and even the lights being turned on and forgotten in abandoned rooms. Photos of a half-unloaded pickup truck with Pepsi-Cola bottles emptied in the sun, the open doors of dusty mezzanines with kitchen utensils flew around the world. They can be easily found on the Internet.
District Varos
Since 1960, when Cyprus became a separate independent power, Famagusta has gradually grown and become a large industrial metropolis. It turned into a true paradise for successful businessmen, authoritative politicians, popular artists who wanted to spend their holidays at a prestigious resort. Largest quantity fashionable new buildings containing luxury hotels, nightclubs, and concert halls were concentrated in Varosha.
It was this area that was “frozen” during the “Cyprus Peacekeeping Operation”, as Turkish sources indicate the emergence of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. This state remains recognized only by Turkey to this day. Greek Cypriots now live in the south, Turks in the north.
The conflict remains unresolved in modern times, but in 2008 the wall dividing it into two parts was destroyed in the capital Nicosia. Nowadays, even though you have to go through customs, you can move freely around the entire island, enjoying the sights and delights of nature.
The city of Varosha (Cyprus) is actually not a city, but a district of Famagusta. The city of Famagusta is now located on the territory of Northern Cyprus, an unrecognized state. Varosha is called a ghost town and it has interesting fate. Many tourists would like to visit this territory, but for certain reasons this is impossible.
Varosha until 1974
Embankment in the city of Varosha before 1974
The history of the ghost town began in 1974, and before that time Varosha was a resort area. And not simple, but fashionable. The most modern hotels, private villas, and expensive shops were located on this territory. According to eyewitnesses, Brigitte Bardot vacationed in one of the hotels in the early 70s. The fame of the fashionable resort of Varosha was brought not only by its excellent infrastructure, but also by the peculiarity of the sand on the local beach. It is very small and pleasant to the touch. If it were not for the tragic events, Varosha beach would probably now be awarded the Blue Flag. 
Villas and hotels were located closer to the beach. And then there were residential areas where local residents lived. Many of them were employed in the hotel infrastructure. And since the resort was expensive, local residents were not deprived of wages, and the entire area was considered prestigious for living. But all this prosperity came to an end in a matter of days.
Coup d'etat
In 1974, Famagusta was captured by the Turks. Not only this city came under their jurisdiction. After a while all Northern part islands was Turkish. As a result, Northern Cyprus arose - a state not recognized in the world. However, this does not prevent Northern Cyprus from existing even now, after a long time. And the island has a completely calm environment for tourists. They can even visit both parts of the island - the Republic of Cyprus and the unrecognized state. True, for this you will have to cross the buffer zone along certain rules. This order is partially (and perhaps completely) maintained thanks to the UN troops who control the buffer zone. 
But let's return to the events of 1974. The Turks, having captured Famagusta, cordoned off the Varosha area and ordered residents to vacate the area within 24 hours. True, some of the residents of Varosha fled to the south of the island and to other countries a little earlier, when the bombing from the Turkish side began. However, the area quickly emptied. Many residents, almost all of them ethnic Greeks, hoped that the military conflict would soon end and they would return. Therefore, many families left lightly, leaving behind their property. But these hopes did not come true, and the Turks firmly established themselves in the northern part of Cyprus. 
Perhaps at first the area was really protected, preventing looting. However, then Turkish soldiers began to take out other people's property. They were joined by the residents of Famagusta, who welcomed the new government, for the most part they were ethnic Turks. In general, after a few years the fashionable area was plundered and dilapidated. Now Varosha is controlled by the army of Northern Cyprus and UN troops. The area is fenced and guarded by soldiers.
Is it possible to see a ghost town?
Varosha in Cyprus could be an excellent attraction for tourists, like Pripyat (Chernobyl zone) or Fukushima in Japan. And even better, because there is no radiation danger in Varosha. Abandoned urban landscapes are popular with many tourists. But you cannot officially enter the area itself; it is guarded. On the fence separating other areas of Famagusta from Varosha, there are warning signs about the restricted area.
However, photos of the ghost town of Varosha appear from time to time in the media and on the Internet. It is visited by:
- journalists (the authorities rarely allow them into the territory and even less often allow them to take photographs),
- stalkers (illegal visitors who find loopholes in the fence, or (according to some sources) managed to bribe the guards).
We strongly advise against trying to enter the territory of Varosha, since the soldiers of the Turkish army are armed and have the right to use weapons. You can't even take pictures of him standing behind the fence. But you can take pictures from the coast, where access is open. Even from there, abandoned high-rise buildings with empty window sockets make an eerie impression.
Perhaps someday the authorities of Northern Cyprus will understand what benefits can be derived from tourists visiting a ghost town. And they organize excursions there. In the meantime, you can look at it from afar or in photos taken by the lucky ones who visited Varosha.
Varosha. Ghost town in CyprusThe city of Varosha (Cyprus) is actually not a city, but a district of Famagusta. The city of Famagusta is now located on the territory of Northern Cyprus, an unrecognized state. Varosha is called a ghost town and it has an interesting fate. Many tourists would like to visit this territory, but for certain reasons this is impossible. Varosha before 1974 The history of the ghost town began in 1974, and before that time Varosha was a resort area. And not simple, but fashionable. The most modern hotels, private villas, and expensive shops were located on this territory. According to eyewitnesses, she was on vacation in one of the hotels in the early 70s...
Review
Sum of all article ratings:
No matter how creepy it may sound, the ghost town is worth a visit!
You can’t see everything in Cyprus in one visit, and this excursion with a visit to Famagusta was highly recommended to us from the travel agency on the street near our hotel in Ayia Napa, for which we thank them very much!
To this day, memories come flooding back, emotions run high, and I have never once regretted what I saw. dead city with my own eyes.
Of course, telling is one thing, but seeing for yourself, hearing the guide’s story...
The guides, by the way, are all Russian-speaking and the stories are very fascinating. This applies to all excursions we attended.
Still, I’ll tell you and show you, although the review will not convey my internal state. This is history. History of Cyprus. This is a tragedy. A tragedy that has not yet been erased from memory, since the people who participated in it are still alive...
Famagusta city located on the southeastern coast of Cyprus, on the territory of an unrecognized state Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus.
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Stop. I forgot important point. Getting to Famagusta is not so easy. We need to cross the Turkish border! Yes, everything is so complicated. Barbed wire and men with machine guns. No "hihi!"
They will NOT put a stamp on your passport, since the republic is not recognized by the community of countries.
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Famagusta was popular resort town, namely the Varosha district. The most expensive hotels were here, best beaches with fine sand (by the way, it was imported from Egypt) and pure water, luxury real estate.
This was the most popular and expensive place In Cyprus. Hotel accommodations booked 20 years in advance! Buying real estate here was the ultimate dream. It is not surprising that attempts have always been made on Varosha’s life.
In 1974, approximately 40% of Cyprus was captured by the Turks, including Famagusta and Varosha.
All residents left Varosha. They were given 24 hours to vacate the territory. Then no one could have thought that they would never return here...
The posh quarter of Varosha with dozens of hotels, villas, sanatoriums, and residential buildings was isolated and closed. It is surrounded by barbed wire and entry is prohibited.
Local residents cannot return here and journalists cannot enter.
The looters long ago pulled out everything they could carry, the area was not saved from total looting. Nature is gradually destroying once well-kept buildings. And according to experts, the buildings cannot be restored if this area is ever opened
Entry is limited to Turkish and UN military personnel only.
No photography allowed, but they do it secretly and there are a lot of photographs on the Internet that you can see closer (I used some in collages along with mine, taken on this side of the fence).
According to some analysts, the Turks did not dare to settle in Varosha because almost all the real estate here belongs (until now!) to Western capital, and not to the Greeks. They did not want to develop a conflict with the West, but they were in no hurry to give up territory, leaving it as an element of bargaining in negotiations.
Negotiations are ongoing. But the whole problem lies in the document that the UN Security Council adopted in May 1984 - resolution No. 550, which, in particular, states: “Attempts to populate any part of the Varosha quarter by anyone other than its residents are unacceptable.”
A terrible tragedy.
If you want to seriously think about the variability of our existence or the transience of all things, this is the place for you.
There is an opinion that the Greeks were the winners in this war. Before the events of 1974, popular resorts were located on the Turkish side - now they have forgotten the path there, but the Greek village of Ayia Napa, in which we had the honor of vacationing, has turned into the tourist center of Cyprus.
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Currently the city of Famagusta is divided into two parts, one of which is closed to the public, literally. On the other hand, Turkish Cypriots live ordinary life, and there are also many attractions that I will show you now.
The main attractions of Famagusta is Cathedral St. Nicholas, and now Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which is located in the city center.
Have you been to Paris? I was. Seeing this cathedral, for a moment I was transported to the square near Notre Dame. Well, really, it’s similar!
Lovers gothic style will appreciate the beauty of this mosque!
The top of the cathedral was damaged during the earthquake.
Near the cathedral (on the left) there is a huge ficus growing, it is 718 years old! There is a sign with his date of birth
You can go inside the mosque, but barefoot. We leave our shoes and go through. Yes, we just took off our flip-flops and went.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, rear view
Old city surrounded by a fortress wall.
Bastion of Porta del Mar.
This is the old entrance to the city, called the Sea Gate. You can go up and look at the city from above.
From here overlooks the dead city, Varos quarter
The entrance is guarded by a stone lion, in whose ear you need to whisper your wish and it will certainly come true!
Bastion of Dzhanbulat.
There was a warehouse here and the bravest Turkish warrior Jambulat was buried here.
Gothic Church of Peter and Paul (XIV century, now a mosque)
Palazzo del Proveditore, once Royal Palace Lusignanov. Only arches and columns remain to this day.
Church of St. George, and to be precise, THAT is what is left of it.
In the 1970s, Famagusta was the main tourist center in Cyprus. Due to the growing number of tourists in the city, many new hotels and tourist facilities were built, and especially many of them appeared in Varosha. Between 1970 and 1974, the city was at the peak of its popularity and enjoyed the recognition of many famous people of the time. Among the stars who visited him were Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Raquel Welch and Brigitte Bardot. Varosha housed many modern hotels, and on its streets there were a large number entertainment establishments, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
On July 20, 1974, the Turkish army invaded Cyprus in response to the political upheaval in the country, and on August 15 of the same year, the Turks occupied Famagusta. Since then, Varosha has been fenced off, looted, and getting there is almost impossible.
The closed quarter is surrounded by legends. There are a lot of beautiful stories on the Internet that inside there are shops filled with clothes that were fashionable 38 years ago, and empty but fully equipped hotels. In fact, the quarter was plundered in the first years after its closure, and now there are not even any window frames left there, not to mention clothes and cars. Varosha has long been the most impressive symbol of the island's division, haunted by the ghosts of the past.
01. Summer 1974. Varosha is a lively seaside city, where foreigners from all over Europe flocked in the hundreds. They say that Varosha hotels were so popular that the most fashionable rooms in them were reserved by prudent British and Germans for 20 years in advance. 
02. The cream of Cypriot society lived here or came on vacation from business Nicosia. Luxurious villas and hotels, advanced by the standards of the 70s of the last century, were built here. New Famagusta, as Varosha was sometimes called, stretched south from the ancient fortress walls along the eastern coast for several kilometers... 
03. Advertising postcard of those years... In mid-August 1974, Turkish troops landed in the north of Cyprus. On August 14-16, 1974, the Turkish army occupied 37% of the island, including Famagusta and one of its suburbs, Varosha. Residents of the fashionable suburb of Famagusta - and most of them were Greek Cypriots - were forced to leave their homes overnight. 16 thousand people left in full confidence that they would return in a week, maximum two. 
04. 32 years have passed since then, and they never had the opportunity to enter their homes. 
05. The Greeks can observe the dead city through a spyglass. This is how it looks from the Greek part of Cyprus. 
06. The Turks are letting us get closer to the city. The inhabitants of Varosha currently include seagulls, rodents and stray cats. Four kilometers of golden sand beaches have remained unclaimed for more than three decades. At night, only the spotlights at Turkish military posts are lit. 
07. Varosha was subjected to total plunder by marauders. At first it was the Turkish military, who took furniture, televisions and dishes to the mainland. Then the residents of nearby streets, who carried away everything that the soldiers and officers of the occupying army did not need. Turkey was forced to declare the city a closed zone, but this did not save it from total looting: everything that could be carried away was taken away. 
08. One of the residents of Varosha, forced to leave the city in the summer of 1974, identified her radio... in Greece. The woman recognized him by his characteristic scratch and her initials. When asked where the new owners got it from, they explained that they bought it for almost nothing at one of the Istanbul markets. 
09. Apparently, everything was taken out, even the window frames. 
10. Turkish version of the name Varosha - Marash 
11. In 1974, there were 109 hotels in Famagusta with 11 thousand beds. Some of the hotel complexes in Varosha are still legally the private property of citizens from 20 countries. One of the hotels in Varosha was put into operation three days before the city was abandoned by its inhabitants. 
12. According to the Cypriot economist Kostas Apostilidis, real estate in Varosha (hotels, villas, land) can be estimated at 2 billion pounds 
13. Residents of Varosha were forced to leave the city within 24 hours. The Turks allowed them to take with them only what they could carry. 
14. In February 1997, the government of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as a sign of protest against the intention of the Republic of Cyprus to buy Russian-made anti-missile systems, threatened to populate the abandoned Varosha with settlers from mainland Turkey. 
15. In 1999, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Rauf Denktash, offered hotels and houses in Varosha to refugees from Kosovo as temporary housing. The Republic of Cyprus protested. According to the UN Security Council resolution of 1984, Varosha can only be inhabited by its indigenous inhabitants (or their descendants), the vast majority of whom are Greek Cypriots. 
16. Varosha has never been part of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. And although it is considered neutral territory, the Turks refused to transfer the empty city to the full control of UN peacekeeping forces. 
17. Turkish post on the border with Varosha. The soldier carefully monitors that no one climbs over the fence. They say that if caught in a closed area, the fine will be 500 euros. 
18. Although the fence can be easily climbed, which many people do. 
19. border. 
20. Fence on the beach. On one side tourists swim and sunbathe, on the other there are 40 years of silence. 
21. The hotels on the left are abandoned, and the blue one on the right is operational. I lived in it. Excellent hotel. 
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25. In photographs on the Internet you can see what is happening in abandoned houses. Unfortunately, I myself did not dare to go far, since there were only a few hours before the plane and there was no risk. 
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27. Abandoned church. 
28. On one side of the barbed wire fence are Turkish Cypriot houses and cars parked along the sidewalks, on the other side there is a rusty fence, behind which crumbling buildings are visible. It is quite obvious that the fence did not become an obstacle for those who wanted to enter the dead city. 
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33. They say there are a lot of old cars left in the city. This is most likely true. 
34. They also stand on the border. 
35. Some Turks pull out closed area and restored. 
36. Old gas station. 
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38. Tractor. 
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Every few years, hope for the return of the city to its inhabitants revived, but the parties have still not come to a compromise that would suit both communities. Varosha has become a bargaining chip in relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Recently, the leader of the Turkish Cypriots proposed returning Varosha. Then the Greek Cypriots did not agree. Now they are ready to take Varosha, but the Turkish Cypriots demand, in exchange for the ghost town, permission to conduct direct trade with all EU member countries.
During his first press conference, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mehmet Ali Talat, told reporters that he was ready to return Varosha in exchange for lifting the embargo from the northern territories. However, this proposal was rejected. Talat proposed returning the ghost town to the control of the Greek Cypriots, subject to the opening of the sea and air borders of the unrecognized international community of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
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