Varosha

A district closed since 1974, a symbol of the island’s division

Local name: Βαρώσια

Collection: Cyprus Basics Exam · Cyprus · Open in OpenStreetMap

The story

Varosha is the southern part of Famagusta, outside the walls of the old town. Before 1974 it was the modern center of the city and its main resort area. From 14 August 1974, during the second phase of the Turkish invasion, its residents, who were Greek Cypriots, had to leave, and the district was fenced with barbed wire and closed. It is in the north of the island, which the Republic of Cyprus has not controlled since 1974. UN Security Council Resolution 550, from 1984, declares it unacceptable for anyone other than its own residents to settle Varosha, and calls for the area to be handed over to UN administration. In October 2020 the Turkish Cypriot authorities, backed by Turkey, partly opened the district to visitors. The Security Council called for all steps taken since then to be reversed.

The “ghost town” of Cyprus is Varosha, the district of Famagusta closed since 1974. Under UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984), only its former residents may settle it, and the area should come under UN administration. For questions on current events: the partial opening of the district since October 2020 and the Security Council’s call to reverse these steps.

Visiting

This is the north of the island. The nearest crossing point is Deryneia, where you show a passport or ID card. You enter the open part of the district through a gate on the north side, by the car park. Entry is on foot only and only by day; the hours depend on the season. Don’t go past the fences, and follow the no-photography signs.

Photos

Sources

• UN Security Council, resolution 550 (1984) of 11 May 1984, para. 5 on Varosha
• UN Security Council, Statement by the President S/PRST/2021/13 on Varosha (23 July 2021)
• UN Secretary-General, report on the UN operation in Cyprus S/2021/4 (8 January 2021): partial opening of Varosha on 8 October 2020
• Δήμος Αμμοχώστου / Famagusta Municipality: Η Αμμόχωστος σήμερα (fenced area, barbed wire, 14 August 1974, resolutions 550 and 789)

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