In early October 2020, part of varosha was successfully opened to the public for the first time in 47 years. The moment it opened, it became news headlines and the most talked about place in this area, people were travelling all over to visit the place for the first time and some of the locals who used to live there before the conflict, very emotional moment, a lot of them who never thought they could set an eye again the place that was once their home or business place visiting again at that state. The place was a restricted military zone for many decades, no photos, videos or any sort were allowed, and not even drones were allowed to fly anyplace close by.
I live in the same city as the abandoned seaside city. It’s just a 20 minutes walk and a 5-minute drive to varosha. I have been here more than 6 times since it opened in Oct 2020 and my first visit was on 29th Oct 2020 with friends from The Gambia, some from the same university and some from a different city and university. As we walked across the building we could see bullet holes across many buildings, some completed buildings and some left in construction progress.
One can only imagine the tragedy and loss of many lives. The experience was like an emotional rollercoaster adventure of mixed feelings, it was something we have never experienced before after learning the history of the place.
As a Local Guide, I was delighted to add some of the first-ever 360 videos of the place and also uploaded some content as Google Maps never had any. I shot some 360 imagery of Bilal Ağa Mosque as well which wasconstructed in 1821 and reopened for prayers in July 2021 after 47 years of closure.
The first time I spoke about this place to local guides was in November 2020 at @Ewaade_3A NASAL BOW meetup
Things to do: Rent Bike and Circle around, snacks vendor available, photos and videos. Beautiful Tour,
The place is close to some of the best restaurants and some of my favourite places to eat in my city such as Cafe No:8, Zagato, Atis Cafe Bar and it’s a just 3-minute walk from the ghost town entrance. Arkin Palm Beach Hotel is a popular hotel, a very popular hotel in this area. So many restaurants and activities take place nearby, usually crowded by locals.
Learn more about the place by watching Yes Theory video on YouTube
Awesome, you would love it if you visit, if you don’t mind please keep me posted when the opportunity comes to visit Varosha. I wish Google could do street view here it will be so good.