Varosha is a ghost town and a southern section of the Cypriot city of Famagusta. Prior to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, it was the modern tourist area of Famagusta. Its inhabitants fled during the invasion, when it came under Turkish control, and it has remained abandoned and under the occupation of the Turkish Armed Forces ever since. Entry is forbidden to the public. As of 2015, the city continues to be uninhabited with a population of 0.
In the early 1970s, Famagusta was one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in the world and was a favorite destination of the rich and famous. It was known for its sunny beaches, glamorous shopping and dining experiences, and excellent luxury hotels. But on July 20, 1974, at the height of the summer tourist season, the impending Turkish invasion suddenly drove all 39,000 inhabitants and hundreds of guests out of the city. Fearing a massacre, they fled and after a short battle, the city was taken by Turkish forces.
Turkey remains in de facto possession of the city despite a bill attempting to return it to Greek control. The city is now home to around 40,000 inhabitants. The Varosha quarter, which was the tourism center of the city, has remained abandoned since the Turkish government fenced it off immediately after the conflict.
Today, the district stands as a monument to what the world would look like without its human inhabitants. Tables are still set for breakfast, model 1970s cars still sit in their garages, and designer clothing still hangs on the racks of hastily abandoned shops. Nature has begun to take over, and many of the buildings are slowly collapsing, the cars rusting, the pavement cracking and overgrown with weeds.
The Varosha Quarter is only accessible to Turkish military forces, the occasional journalist, and UN officials. It is also being used by writers and scientists as an ongoing study of how cities fare after their inhabitants have disappeared.
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