One of several ghost cities of Eurasia, the abandoned resort of Varosha in Famagusta was once north Cyprus’ most exclusive tourist destination frequented by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Brigitte Bardot. But since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the Varosha quarter has been abandoned, its hotels, restaurants and highrise structures slowly decaying amid the ruins of this once thriving millionaires’ playground. In this incredible series of photographs courtesy of Sometimes Interesting, we take a rare trip beyond the fence.

http://www.urbanghostsmedia.com/2013/03/varosha-famagusta-rare-photos-inside-northern-cyprus-ghost-city-abandoned-resort/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elsewhere in the former tourist quarter, clothes still hang in the closets of long abandoned buildings and a car dealership remains fully stocked with now-vintage 1974 model vehicles.

 

 

 

 

Varosha before the 1974 Invasion

 

Also Abandoned – Nicosia International Airport

 

 

1970's post card

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varosha,_Famagusta

https://www.facebook.com/Varosha.WhatTheyDontWantYouToSee

That's fascinating.  Should be the set for any zombie movie.

That's fascinating.  Should be the set for any zombie movie.

 

The few who have managed to sneak in to Varosha in the years after invasion, as well as Turkish Cypriots who did military service there, say they witnessed a place that felt like a Hollywood set. Okan Dagli, a Turkish Cypriot from Famagusta who saw the area when he served in the army, said it felt like a dystopia.

 

“Everything was looted and crumbling,” Mr. Dagli said. “It was as if time had stopped. It was both very sad and very disturbing.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/03/world/europe/cyprus-resort-varosha-remains-sealed-off-to-visitors.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

yep i have a greek cypriot coworker from the north who just recently retired and moved back. she visited her old family home a few years ago and it was the same. the whole town is looted and decrepit. she had pics and it was awful. she had to move back to the south when she retired. i take the turkish north is just a shambles. its a terrible situation and legacy.