Varosha

Forgotten Places · 1974

Published

Varosha was the modern seaside quarter of Famagusta, known for its hotels, beaches and busy tourist streets. Its Greek Cypriot residents fled during the conflict in August 1974, expecting the evacuation might be temporary. Turkish forces closed the district, and for decades former residents were unable to return to their homes and businesses.

Why It Mattered

Varosha became one of the most visible symbols of Cyprus’s unresolved division: a resort city emptied while buildings decayed behind barriers. United Nations resolutions have repeatedly addressed its status, tying the fate of the district to the rights of its displaced inhabitants.

1974 Evacuation

- The United Nations described Varosha as the newer quarter of Famagusta. - Its Greek Cypriot inhabitants evacuated during the August 1974 military operation.

UN Presence

- The 1977 Secretary-General's report recorded UNFICYP posts and patrols in the town. - The same report said former residents had not been permitted to return.

Security Council Position

- Resolution 550 of 1984 called attempts to settle Varosha by people other than its inhabitants inadmissible. - The same resolution called for the area to be transferred to United Nations administration. - Resolution 789 of 1992 urged extension of the area under UNFICYP control to include Varosha.

Associated With

Not applicable - urban district affected by the Cyprus conflict

Defining Feature

An evacuated urban quarter maintained under a distinct United Nations policy framework

Status

Ongoing - Subject to continuing United Nations Security Council resolutions on return, settlement and administration

Primary Records

- **Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations operation in Cyprus** - **Security Council Resolution 550 (1984)** - **Security Council Resolution 789 (1992)**

Image Sources

- **Abandoned beachfront hotels in Varosha — Shutterstock 1742659145** - **Credit:** Anton Kudelin / Shutterstock.com. - **Photograph date:** 24 May 2016. - **Licence:** Purchased Shutterstock licence. Licence terms.

Rights Notice

The photograph is used under a purchased Shutterstock licence. Forgotten Archive's licence does not grant permission for third-party reuse. Rights holders may contact Forgotten Archive through the publishing account to request a credit correction or removal.

Gallery

Weathered beachfront hotels with empty balconies stand behind a sandy beach in Varosha under a clear blue sky.
Source
Credit

Anton Kudelin / Shutterstock.com

Licence

Licence terms

This image is used under the linked terms. Check those terms before reusing it.

Caption

Abandoned beachfront hotels in Varosha, Famagusta, 24 May 2016.