Cyprus Conflict

!Nothing sums up the futility of the Cyprus conflict quite like the ghost town of Varosha in Famagusta. Located on the east coast of Cyprus, the city of Famagusta has had a long and remarkable cultural heritage but now lies abandoned following the 1974 Turkish inva- sion of the island.

Varosha can truly be called a ghost Town. nobody lives there. Few, if any visit it and if you could, then its ghosts would be ever apparent in the silence, the stillness and the 'frozen in time' sights before you.

On the 15th august 1974, all of the residents of Varosha left, fearing death or worse at the hands of the Turkish invaders who were, at that very moment, fighting the greek Cypriot army on the streets of Famagusta, a mile or so further north. They left at a moment's notice. no time to collect treasured possessions or to clear tables or to lock up houses. They hoped they would be able to return within days or weeks but deep down they feared it would be the last they would see of their homes and businesses. Over the last 35 years the town has gradually given in to nature. The streets have cracked in the heat of the summer sun, the roots of plants, free to grow wild, have invaded walls, floors and windows, gradually breaking down the manmade structures, determined to return Varosha to the wild. accounts tell of meals left uneaten on dining tables, of clothes, fashionable at the time, fading in boutiques along the streets and of cars, now classable as vintage, sitting brand new in garage show- rooms waiting patiently for buyers that will never come.