Explainer: The conflict between Turkey and Cyprus over the Varosha ghost town
Turkey is supporting the development of a former tourist resort in Northern Cyprus, prompting condemnation from the Republic of Cyprus, Israel, the United States and others.
Turkey and its ally the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are moving ahead with their plan to develop the town of Varosha. The UN-recognized Republic of Cyprus opposes the move, and the issue relates to the dispute between Turkish and Greek Cypriots on the island, as well as disagreements Turkey has with its eastern Mediterranean neighbors.
What is Varosha?
Varosha is a former resort and part of the city of Famagusta on the eastern part of the island of Cyprus. It is located within the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ territory, but close to the border with the Republic of Cyprus. Varosha was a popular vacation spot for the rich and famous in the 1970s.
The area became a flash point in the division of Cyprus in 1974. A Greek military coup that year following ethnic violence between ethnic Greeks and Turks led to a Turkish invasion of the northern part of the island. As a result, tens of thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots were expelled from or fled the northern and southern parts of the island. Turkey is the only country in the world that recognizes Northern Cyprus.
