A bit of History Prior to July 1974, Varosha, a resort in Famagusta on the east coast of Cyprus, was one of the most popular resorts in Europe, and certainly one of the most glamorous. The rich and famous came here for their holidays and many a tourist from far and wide enjoyed sunning themselves on the golden beaches and staying at one of the many luxury hotels that graced the resort. After this date Famagusta changed forever. Literally. The Turkish Army invaded Cyprus in what was known as ‘Operation Attila’ and this resulted in a coup. As the army approached Varosha inhabitants fled, intending to return when the violence ended. When they fled their possessions remained, just as they were last used. Newspapers were left open on tables. Bottles were left on bars. Most people thought they were leaving for just a few hours, so literally walked out with only the clothes they had on their backs. The Turkish Army controlled Varosha when a UN brokered ceasefire was declared in August 1974 and they fenced it off and have refused any visitors or former residents to return. Over forty years later this is still the case. Famagusta is now a ghost town frozen in time, surrounded by barbed wire. Time has stood still and that newspaper is still where it was in 1974 on the table with spectacles laid on top and half a cup of coffee at its side. Once people fled Varosha they started to arrive in Nicosia. Some families tried to go back to Varosha the following day to collect belongings but they were only able to collect a few things, some returned with nothing due to the fact it was far too dangerous to stay around for too long. The fighting in Varosha lasted for just three days, but the Turks put up barbed wire separating north from south. The former residents of Varosha were soon to realise they were not going back to what was once their home. www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/hype/famagusta-story-behind-famous-ghost-town
Most enjoyable video thanks George and Sue A very interesting place to go to it’s like stepping back in time Will have to hire you as a tour guide when we go 👍😘
Hi George and Su thank you for showing another interesting Vlog yes it’s still a shame the way things are and I’m still trying to imagine how lovely it once was and I hope it all gets sorted out and re built back up some time
Just find this massively depressing and why the Turkish flags on the school if it is supposed to be abandoned.? Controversial but thanks for sharing. x
so sad to see what the war has done😩 Ι really wish one day they will rebuild famagusta like i feel they may one day 🙏💖 thanks again for your beautiful videos george & sue,much love 💖💜
I guys thanks for information about famagusta very interesting we didn’t manage to go last year we left it to late no places left so next year we booking on our first day 👏🤙🏻🙋🏼♀️
Margaret I remember the clothing company jet as well, my job was a cutter in a clothing factory many years ago, and Fairways was a car dealer ship, I remember the one opposite the reafineary in Larnaca, I think there a university now?
The long street you walked up and down was Democrates Street, the main thoroughfare and shopping centre of Famagusta. We lived on Hesperides Street, which ran parallel to John F Kennedy Avenue - the main sea-front road - from December 71 to April 74. It was our first home as a married couple....we loved it.
I don't know about Famagusta Varosia being made into a some sort of a visitor show to the 'Dark Tourism'. ( Don't get me wrong George because I follow your channel and watch your videos). I have mixed feelings about this town used in this way. These were peoples homes and places where people once worked. It makes me very sad to see this dire situation being exploited like this. Making a spectacle of a dire situation which used to be someones town where they lived and worked into a visitor show is not morally right. Some people would find it offensive. I've also watched other youtube videos where greek cypriots from famagusta varosia were emotional crying seeing their homes in such a situation. We need to be 100pc respectful
@@stavrosk3539 A difficult place to visit but I had to go . It was awful to just get glimpses from the beach previous to the opening of parts of Varosia
I was in Famagusta from 1972 until it was invaded. When the Turks invaded I was attached to the Military Police and we patrolled varosia to ensure the Turks did not enter the military married quarters, whilst we were patrolling all the shops and car sale rooms were full of merchandise, when you go there now there is nothing there, so were has everything gone. After patrolling for about a week as we were returning to the SBA the Turkish Commander told us we weren’t allowed to go back in which we passed onto our commander. So that was the end of the patrols. I have read somewhere/seen on a video that all the safes from the banks/shops are in a warehouse under armed guard.
Very hard to watch, but I think we need to remember and not conveniently be ostriches with our heads in the sand, we need to ensure our Politicians are made accountable. Heartbreaking for those impacted. If only Humans could live in Peace. Thank you for this video. It was compulsive viewing and must have been difficult to make being so controversial. Well done.
@@CYPRUSINSIGHT Unfortunately World Peace is but a dream. During the last Century and this one, there has been war somewhere on the Earth (not one, single day without fighting - quite a horrifying statistic).
Great vlog George, it takes a visit to actually understand what can become of beautiful place once it’s occupied illegally. Although abandoned, it’s very reminiscent of my army days when I was posted in West Berlin, we used to go into East Berlin which was a different world, Famagusta is very similar.
Great vlog guys 👌Somewhere I think everyone should visit at least once .Very sad but a part of the history of Cyprus nevertheless.Not sure about ghost town though .Looks almost as busy as Protaras 😳.Your a great tour guide George hope you got a tip 😜It’s amazing the footpaths are still In better condition than they are in Protaras !! 😂Thanks so much guys really enjoyed that ❤
Did you get any more footage George. Did you go up to the end .I think there is a lot going on that we are not fully aware of . I took a left turn by the roundabout and came across a lot of activity behind green netting that was hiding well maintained buildings. Lots of soldiers and some sort of student or military accommodation . Something was happening . They were moving things from one building to another. I would love to meet you and Sue one day for a chat
