Inside the GHOST TOWN of Cyprus ‪🇨🇾

Summary

Cyprus is the world's only divided capital, Nicosia, split by the Green Line between the Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey. The island's division stems from historical tensions between the two communities, with significant conflicts in 1963 and 1974 leading to Turkish military intervention. Despite ongoing efforts for reunification, the island remains divided, with stark contrasts in daily life, such as the use of the Euro in the south and the Turkish Lira in the north. The abandoned city of Varosha stands as a ghost town, symbolizing the conflict and separation. The future remains uncertain, with many hoping for eventual reunification despite ongoing challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cyprus is the only capital city in the world that is divided between two countries: the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cypriots) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey).
• 😀 The division of Cyprus is marked by the Green Line, a demilitarized zone controlled by the United Nations, which separates the two sides of the island.
• 😀 The conflict dates back to 1571 when the Ottomans occupied Cyprus, followed by British control in 1878, and tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in the 1960s.
• 😀 The Greek Cypriot massacre in 1963 by the extremist EOKA group escalated tensions, leading to years of violence and division between the two communities.
• 😀 In 1974, a Greek-backed coup against the President of Cyprus led Turkey to intervene militarily, resulting in the Turkish forces controlling 37% of the island and the establishment of Northern Cyprus in 1983.
• 😀 The United Nations does not recognize Northern Cyprus as a sovereign state and continues to call for the withdrawal of Turkish forces, treating it as an occupation.
• 😀 Cyprus is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, contributing to its historical significance and ongoing geopolitical issues.
• 😀 The buffer zone, which is off-limits for civilians, has become a symbol of the division, with some unusual occurrences like football fields being built on the line by Turkish Cypriots.
• 😀 Despite the division, there are interactions between the two sides, with Greek Cypriots crossing to the Turkish side for shopping or cheaper goods, but Turkish Cypriots face more restrictions in crossing.
• 😀 The future of Cyprus is uncertain, with differing views on reunification; most Turkish Cypriots support a two-state solution, while Greek Cypriots are hopeful for reunification but fear past conflicts repeating.

Q & A

Why is Nicosia considered the only divided capital in the world?

Nicosia is the only capital city in the world that is divided between two countries. The city is split by the 'green line,' a boundary that separates the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, which is only recognized by Turkey.

What is the historical context behind the division of Cyprus?

The division of Cyprus stems from a complex history. Cyprus was under Ottoman control from 1571 until 1878, after which it was handed over to British administration. Tensions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots grew after independence in 1960, particularly due to disagreements over the constitution. A Greek-led coup in 1974, aiming to annex Cyprus to Greece, prompted Turkey to invade in response to protect the Turkish Cypriots, resulting in the division of the island.

What is the significance of the 'green line'?

The 'green line' is a demilitarized zone that separates the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It is controlled by the United Nations and spans the entire width of the island. It serves as both a physical and political barrier between the two regions, and it is one of the last remaining divided capitals in the world.

Why is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus not recognized by any other country except Turkey?

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declared independence in 1983, but it has not been recognized by any other country besides Turkey. The international community, including the United Nations, considers it an illegal occupation, and the region remains unrecognized due to the ongoing conflict and the complex political situation between Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus.

How did the UN's role impact the division of Cyprus?

The United Nations' involvement in Cyprus began in 1964 with the establishment of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to prevent further violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. After the 1974 Turkish invasion, the UN extended its presence, creating the 'green line' as a buffer zone to reduce tensions and prevent military clashes. The UN continues to play a key role in efforts to mediate peace and unify the island.

What is the significance of the ghost town of Varosha in Northern Cyprus?

Varosha is a former tourist hotspot that has been abandoned since 1974, following the Turkish invasion. It is a 'ghost town' controlled by the Turkish Cypriot police and is considered one of the most symbolic sites of the island's division. Efforts have been made to reopen it for public access, but it remains largely inaccessible, symbolizing the unresolved nature of the Cyprus conflict.

Why is it easier for people from the European Union to cross into the Turkish-controlled north compared to those from Turkey?

People from the European Union can cross from the south (Republic of Cyprus) into Northern Cyprus with relative ease because the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the EU. However, people from Turkey need a visa to cross into the south, as Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, and the EU's external borders prevent free movement.

What is the relationship between Greek and Turkish Cypriots today?

Greek and Turkish Cypriots share a history of living together peacefully before the 1974 division, but tensions escalated due to political and ethnic differences. Today, while there are efforts toward reconciliation and reunification, the division still exists, and there are significant barriers in terms of political representation and control of land. Many Cypriots hope for a peaceful reunification, but distrust and historical grievances complicate this goal.

How has the discovery of gas reserves impacted the Cyprus conflict?

The discovery of large natural gas reserves off the coast of Cyprus has further fueled tensions between Greece and Turkey, as both countries lay claim to the resources. The discovery has led to conflicts over territorial waters and access to the gas reserves, with Turkey and Greece both asserting their rights to share the resources, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense Cyprus conflict.

What is the future of Cyprus in terms of reunification?

The future of Cyprus remains uncertain. Efforts for reunification have stalled, particularly after the 2004 UN-backed referendum, which was rejected by the Greek Cypriots. The 2022 elections in Northern Cyprus saw the victory of a party advocating for two independent states, further diminishing prospects for a unified island. Despite the challenges, many still hope for a peaceful resolution, but guarantees and mutual trust are needed for a lasting solution.