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Analiza Pathak
Born in Guwahati, raised in Mussoorie and Delhi, She grew up reading magazines more than textbooks. She is an experienced writer/editor and has shifted focus to various aspects of communication. Her a ... Read More
There are many mysterious cities on this earth that a lot of people have never heard of. One such place is a city in the country of Cyprus known as Varosha. This city was once a vibrant and thriving tourist hotspot, it was famous for its beautiful beaches, tall buildings, luxury hotels, and exciting nightlife. But today, it stands abandoned, silent, lifeless, and frozen in time. Let’s read what led the city in such a situation.
Nearly 50 years ago, in July 1974, Varosha had a population of around 40,000 people but everything changed when Turkey launched a military invasion of Cyprus. This was in response to a coup in Cyprus which was backed by Greece aiming to unite the island with the Greek mainland.
Fearing violence and mass killings, the entire population of Varosha fled overnight. People left behind their homes, shops, hotels, and even personal belongings. They sought safety in nearby towns and cities, hoping the conflict would end soon. But they never returned.
Since that night, Varosha has remained empty. Buildings still stand, nature has taken over many areas, and everything is stuck in the past. It remains a ghost town.
After the Turkish invasion in 1974, Cyprus was divided into two separate regions i.e. the southern part became Greek Cyprus, and the northern part came under Turkish control, now known as Turkish Cyprus. Varosha, lies in the Turkish-controlled region and remains under the control of the Turkish military.
The city has been sealed off completely. Civilians are strictly prohibited from entering. It’s surrounded by fences and warning signs, and even trying to take photographs from outside can lead to arrest. The entire area remains cloaked in secrecy and mystery.
Even today, the tall buildings, hotels, restaurants, and bars in Varosha still stand just like they did in 1974. However, time has taken its toll. The structures are now crumbling ruins, slowly decaying under the sun and wind. The once-beautiful beaches along the coast have been shut down, fenced off from public access. A small section of the city was recently reopened, but even that is accessible only for a short time and under strict restrictions.
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