Dead ghost town of Famagusta in Cyprus; history, sights. Famagusta: the story of how the most beautiful city in Cyprus never became its tourist Eldorado

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 of entertainment venues, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

On July 20, 1974, the Turkish army invaded Cyprus in response to political coup 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 is not even any left there. window frames, 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 names 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 Cypriot economist Costas Apostilidis, real estate 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 protested against the intention of the Republic of Cyprus to buy anti-missile systems Russian production threatened to populate 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 it out of the closed area and restore it.

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.

Other posts about Cyprus:

The city of Famagusta in Cyprus has a very long and eventful history. It was founded in the 3rd century BC. king of Egypt, after which it became the residence of Richard the Lionheart, a British port and one of the main centers of Mediterranean Christianity.

Famagusta - a ghost town: history

It is prohibited to take photographs or shoot videos of the old city in Famagusta.

Famagusta (Cyprus) remained the main tourist resort of the island until 1974. In the 70s, due to the growing number of vacationers, many hotels were built here, especially in the Varosha area. The hotels were so popular among tourists that the best rooms were booked by wealthy Germans and Englishmen for several years in advance. Wealthy Cypriots also came here to relax in luxurious villas by the standards of that time.

The peak of the resort's popularity occurred from 1970 to 1974. Celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Raquel Welch, Brigitte Bardot, Richard Burton came here. A large number of hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants, nightclubs and bars were located in this part of Famagusta.

The now dead city in Cyprus of Famagusta at the peak of its glory had 45 resort-type facilities, 60 residential buildings, about 100 entertainment centers, 24 theaters, 21 banks and 3,000 stores of various sizes.

After the occupation of Cyprus by the Turks, only stones remained from the settlement. The Turkish army occupied about 40% of the island, including Famagusta and the suburb of Varosha. Residents were forced to leave their homes, but were confident that they would return very soon.

After the second phase of the Turkish invasion on August 14, 1974, residents were still unable to return to their homes in Vorosh.

Varosha in Famagusta, once an elite area, was fenced off, looted and turned into a ghost town. Today you can read a lot of stories about how this quarter still has fully equipped hotels and clothing stores. But this is not so - there are not even window frames left there.

Several decades have passed, but the residents of Famagusta, a ghost town, have not been able to return home. The only inhabitants of Varosha today are birds, rodents and stray cats. At night, only Turkish military posts are illuminated. And the beaches covered with golden sand have been empty for many years. Varosha is a ghost town in Cyprus, which has become a bargaining chip in relations between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

To the territory dead city Tourists are not allowed in Cyprus, as indicated by numerous warning signs. Turkish services do not allow you to approach the fence and take photos. But interest in Famagusta and its ghost town does not fade, so a special place was created from which, for a small fee, you can observe through a telescope the resort, which fell into disrepair more than 40 years ago.

Famagusta - old town

The streets of the resort are literally saturated with history, there are many ancient buildings, cathedrals, public baths and other ancient buildings. The ruins of the city are carefully guarded.

Potholes can be seen on the fortress walls, reminiscent of the period in the 16th century when the Turks first invaded Famagusta.

Most of the destroyed buildings remain from that time. According to tourists, in the southern part of Cyprus all historical monuments seem to have been carefully smoothed and repaired to attract the attention of tourists. This is not the case in the northern part; the true pristine history is visible in every stone. The absence of crowds of tourists gives you the feeling that all this time ago belongs only to you. The beauty of ancient buildings, the tranquility of ruined temples - this is how ancient Famagusta is. And near historical monuments modern shops, restaurants, cafes and banks fit perfectly.

Cyprus, Famagusta, ghost town - how to get there

Buses depart every 30 minutes from Nicosia, the capital of the island. Travel time is 1 hour. From Ercan Airport it takes 40 minutes.

In Famagusta itself in Cyprus, the distances are short, so buses rarely run here, and tourists do not have to rent a car and get to any point on foot. Sometimes taxi services are required; before traveling by this type of transport, you should definitely check the cost.

When walking around the city you need to be careful and avoid special areas that are controlled Turkish army and UN troops.

Abandoned city of Famagusta in Cyprus – hotels, accommodation conditions for tourists

Today, trips to Cyprus for relaxation by the sea and excursions to Famagusta are in strong demand. In the city and near it you can find excellent 5-star hotels (for example, Palm Beach Hotel, Kaya Artemis Resort&Casino). There are also budget options, for those who want to spend more time outside the hotel or are very limited in funds - Kocaries Holiday Village, Long Beach Club Resort, etc.

Kitchen and shopping

In Famagusta there are many shops with various goods (clothing, dishes, household utensils, souvenirs, etc.), as well as shops with Cypriot souvenirs.

The main medieval temple of St. Nicholas in the city of Famagusta on the eastern coast of Cyprus.

There are decent restaurants in both the new and old parts of the city. In the historical center we recommend visiting D&B Café, Aspava, Ginko Restaurant. IN modern city the best establishments catering establishments are located in the Salamis Road area.

Famagusta (Cyprus) attractions

Othello Castle is a fortified building in the city of Famagusta in Cyprus. Currently in Turkey.

The resort attracts travelers with a large number of historical places. In Famagusta, attractions are located throughout the city. These are medieval buildings of the Renaissance era, and streets in Venetian style, and fortifications.

If you have not read about the northern city of Kyrenia in Cyprus, then you need to read the article; .

What to see in Famagusta (Cyprus)? The list is really big. The most striking and popular attractions are the Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Church of St. George, Othello's Castle - the hero of Shakespeare's tragedy - the place where the story described in the novel took place. Interesting tourist sites are the Palace of the Venetian Governor Giovanni Riviere and the square with a Roman marble sarcophagus.

A 10-minute journey from Famagusta is the city of Salamis, where basilicas are preserved, ancient baths, amphitheater

Dead ghost town of Famagusta in Cyprus; history, sights

The city of Famagusta in Cyprus has a very long and eventful history. It was founded in the 3rd century BC. king of Egypt, after which it became the residence of Richard the Lionheart, a British port and one of the main centers of Mediterranean Christianity. Famagusta - a ghost town: history Famagusta (Cyprus) remained the main tourist resort of the island until 1974. In the 70s, due to the growing number of vacationers, many hotels were built here, especially in the Varosha area. The hotels were so popular among tourists that the best rooms were reserved by wealthy Germans and Englishmen for…

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First, there was a coup d'etat in this country, and the president was removed from power. Then another state brought its troops into part of its territory, annexing it and calling it a “peacekeeping operation.” We are not talking about any modern events at all, but about what happened exactly 40 years ago, in July 1974, in Cyprus. One of the results of the division of the island into Turkish and Greek halves was the appearance of a ghost town on its map. Dozens of high-rise hotels, sanatoriums, residential buildings and private villas were abandoned overnight by their owners and residents, surrounded by barbed wire and given over to looters and nature for many decades. We will tell you about the sunny history and ghostly present of Varosha, a luxurious Mediterranean resort that repeated the fate of the Ukrainian Pripyat.

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1. Cyprus gained independence from Great Britain back in 1960, but the United Kingdom retained two large military bases on the island, which still have the status of a British overseas territory. The first years of the long-awaited construction of a strong, independent and prosperous state were accompanied by regular clashes between representatives of the Greek Orthodox majority and the Muslim Turks, who first appeared in Cyprus at the end of the 16th century, when the island was captured by the Ottoman Empire.

2. Ethnic clashes, however, did not prevent local residents, in addition to growing olives, from starting to develop tourism, which eventually became the basis of the island economy. Famagusta, a port city in the southeast of Cyprus, was turned into one of its centers.

3. From his great-grandfathers he inherited a Venetian fortress, several beautiful Gothic churches (some, however, in the form of ruins) and the remains of ancient Salamis, the largest ancient Greek city in Cyprus. All this together with the climate, sandy beaches and the Mediterranean Sea turned out to be enough to transform Famagusta into an international health resort.

4. In the 1960s and early 1970s, dozens of new high-rise hotels and apartment buildings sprang up south of the city, with apartments sold or rented to those wishing to soak up the hot Mediterranean sun.

5. The new district was called Varosha, and for some time it even seemed that it had only a bright and cloudless future ahead of it.

6. Golden Sands, Grecian, Argo, King George, Asterias - these and many other hotels in Varosha, lined along the front avenue named after John F. Kennedy, formed a new modernist face of Famagusta, attracting wealthy vacationers and even world stars of the first magnitude.

7. Coastal restaurants, nightclubs, fashionable shops, luxurious women with cocktails on the beaches, snow-white yachts - all that now remains of all this are old bright postcards that tourists who saw the city’s golden decade managed to buy as souvenirs or send to relatives who happened to be in Varosha was unlucky.

16. All this came to an end at the height of the tourist season of 1974, and the goose that laid the golden eggs for the city was cut off by the Cypriots themselves, with the help of the aggressive military of two NATO member states, who managed to fight with each other in the spirit of friendship.

17. In July, with the support of the notorious Greek “black colonels”, which were used to scare children in the Soviet Union, local radicals, who wanted an immediate and merciless reunification with Mother Greece, removed the President of Cyprus and also its main Orthodox Archbishop Makarios from power. In response to this outrageous putsch, the Turkish authorities, under the pretext of protecting the Turkish Cypriots, whom the Greeks allegedly intended to slaughter completely in an act of violent reunification, sent a “limited contingent” of their own troops to the north of the island.

18. During the “peacekeeping operation in Cyprus,” about 1,000 people died on both sides, several dozen tanks were destroyed, and one Turkish destroyer was sunk (and the Turks themselves sank it by mistake). The main result of the religious-ethnic conflict was the formation of the Republic of Northern Cyprus on the half of the island controlled by the Turkish army, which has now been solemnly recognized only by Turkey itself.

19. Famagusta found itself precisely in this Turkish sector, and Varosha, its resort area, was closely adjacent to the so-called Green Line, a demilitarized buffer zone controlled by UN troops and dividing the island into Greek and Turkish parts. Mostly Greeks lived in Varosha and owned most of the hotels here - for them the war for Cyprus ended virtually overnight with a rapid evacuation, and in fact, a flight to “their” half of the island. The area's 109 hotels and residential complexes, capable of hosting about 11 thousand guests, were instantly empty.

22. To the credit of the new Turkish authorities, they did not confiscate other people’s property, transferring it to new owners, but preferred to surround the neighborhood with a fence with barbed wire and limit access there.

23. Probably, at first they (as, in fact, the local residents who fled) believed that the conflict would somehow normalize and everything would somehow return to its previous, usual course. This, however, did not happen even 40 years later.

24. 10 years after the events described above, in 1984, the UN Security Council, at its next meeting dedicated to the situation in Cyprus, adopted a resolution, which, in particular, dealt with Varosha. According to the document, “attempts to populate any part of the Varosha region by anyone other than its residents” were declared unacceptable. This is how the transformation of the former resort into a ghost town was legally formalized.

25. Local residents, of course, were not allowed to return to their native region; the Turks did not need extra Greeks, and they themselves perceived the prospect of life under the new government, which was not too friendly towards them, ambiguously.

26. Varosha still remains under the control exclusively of the Turkish military, only UN employees are allowed here, tourists are prohibited from visiting its quarters, although it is difficult to deny the obvious: a “ghost area” even against the backdrop of ancient ruins, a Venetian fortress and Gothic churches (turned by the Turks into mosque) Famagusta became its main attraction.

29. You can admire (or be horrified by) her, however, only from behind the fence. Theoretically, penetrating its perimeter is not particularly difficult (over four decades, quite a few convenient holes have appeared in the fence), but being in the area with the prospect of arrest entails unpredictable consequences.

32. Almost all stories about Varosha are accompanied by a heartbreaking quote from Jan Olaf Bengtson, who managed to visit it in 1977: “The asphalt on the streets is cracked from the heat of the sun, and bushes grow in the middle of the road. Now, in September 1977, the dinner tables are still set, the clothes are still hanging in the laundries, and the lamps are still burning. Famagusta is a ghost town. The quarter is "frozen in time" - with shops filled with clothes fashionable in the seventies, and empty but fully equipped hotels.

33. The fragile imagination immediately draws an exciting picture of a city forever frozen in the mid-1970s, access to which is closed to millions of tourists eager to travel back in time only because of the tyranny and short-sightedness of Turkish militarists.

34. Reality is actually much more prosaic. The key phrase in the lucky Swede’s passage is “in September 1977.” Then, quite possibly, Varosha really looked like a full-fledged city, from which all the inhabitants simply disappeared at one point. Over the 37 years since that visit, the Turkish military, the administration and the evacuees themselves have removed almost everything of any value from the area.

35. So no covered ones dining tables, there are no burning lamps or clothes in the laundries there now, but there is plenty of rusty scrap metal, crumbling concrete, vegetation that has filled everything, and, of course, the Turkish military. The latter, by the way, use the only Varosha building preserved in its original form as a recreation center.

37. However, even in such a fairly devastated state, Varosha has a lot of interesting things for lovers of “abandonment”.

38. Cars from the 1970s abandoned in garages and on the streets (including a whole fleet of Toyotas at a Japanese brand dealership in the area), furniture, household items and once valuable food products would delight relic lovers if they had access to them .

41. Alas, it is now incomparably easier to get to Pripyat, occupied by radiation, than to these quarters of Famagusta, which became victims of ethnic wars.

43. This is a classic, one might even say ironically, postcard view of the ghost area, which most tourists observe from the beach of the hotel located in the open part of Famagusta. From left to right - Aspelia, Florida hotels, TWIGA residential complex and Salaminia hotel. This is how they look now, reminding their appearance about decay, oblivion and political stupidity.

44. And this is what they looked like 40 years ago.

45. But Varosha is not only an impressive skyline of coastal high-rises. District churches, schools, city hall, stadiums, even cemeteries (Orthodox ones, of course) are also abandoned.