Hello All
There is Ghost Suburb which was not abandoned due, economic problems or natural disaster by to two nationalistic political forces with ideological differences that cannot come an agreement over a conflict that has gone on for far too long.
Varosha a suburb of Famagasta is a quarter in the Cypriot city of Famagusta. Prior to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, it was the modern tourist area of Famagusta.
In the 1970s, Famagusta was the number one tourist destination in Cyprus. To cater to the increasing number of tourists, many new high-rise buildings and hotels were constructed. During its heyday the Varosha quarter of Famagusta was not only the number one tourist destination in Cyprus, but between 1970 and 1974 it was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and was a favourite destination of wealthy, rich and famous stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Raquel Welch and Brigitte Bardot.
Following the second Turkish invasion of Cyprus on 15 August 1974 in response to a Greek-backed coup, and the Greek Cypriot Army withdrew its forces to Larnaca. The Turkish Army advanced as far as the Atilla line, which is the present day border between the two communities. Just hours before the Turkish Army and the Greek Cypriot Army met in military combat on the streets of Famagusta, Varosha was evacuated, and many refugees fled south to the towns of Paralimni, Deryneia and Larnaca. Paralimni has since become the modern day capital of the Famagusta province in the Republic of Cyprus.
When the Turkish Army gained control of the area during the intervention, they fenced it off and have since refused admittance to anyone except Turkish military and United Nations personnel. The Annan Plan had provided for the return of Varosha to Greek Cypriot control, but this never happened, as the plan was rejected by Greek Cypriot voters.
As no repairs have been carried out since 1974, all of the buildings are slowly falling apart. Nature is reclaiming the area, as metal corrodes, windows break, and plants work their roots into the walls and pavements. Sea turtles have been seen nesting on the deserted beaches.
A tragic waste to nationalistic indifference.
Hardluck
Linkback: You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login
http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,15118.msg96897.html#msg96897
There are 1 attachment(s) in this post which you can not view or downloadPlease register for viewing them. Varoscha.jpg
|
« Last Edit: May 30, 2010, 07:40:37 am by hardluck »
|
Logged
|
|