KAPALI MARAŞ / GHOST CITY

PREVIOUSLY

Maraş—or Varosha—was once one of the Mediterranean’s most popular holiday destinations during the 1960s and 1970s. It was even referred to as the "Las Vegas of the Mediterranean." The area bustled with life, featuring luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, restaurants, entertainment venues, and casinos. It is said that world-famous figures of the era, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot, visited the area.

However, the events that unfolded in Cyprus in 1974 changed everything. During the military operation, Maraş came under the control of the Turkish Armed Forces, and the Greek Cypriot population living there left the area, abandoning their homes and businesses. Subsequently, Maraş was declared a military restricted zone and fenced off with barbed wire.

SOME STORIES * GHOST CITY

The Story of the King George

One of the most remarkable hotels in Varosha was the King George Hotel. Built in the 1940s, the hotel eventually became one of the city's landmarks. Its seaside terrace, in particular, was renowned; it was a key spot where people would gather during the summer months to sit, gaze at the sea, and spend their time. Another interesting aspect of the King George was its connection to the literary world. The famous poet George Seferis was among its notable visitors; indeed, the hotel was known for hosting prominent poets and artists of the era.

Just imagine: that hotel—where people once chatted by the seaside, artists stayed, and summer evenings were spent—now lies in ruins, ravaged by the passage of time.

GOLDEN SANDS HOTEL

One of the most intriguing spots in Maraş is the Golden Sands Hotel. There have been fascinating stories circulating about this hotel for years.

It is said that the hotel was designed as a massive, opulent complex, featuring even a rail system to facilitate guest transport. Some sources even describe Golden Sands as “the world’s first seven-star hotel.”

Various stories have also circulated for years linking Golden Sands to the British Royal Family. Although claims were made that the hotel belonged to King Charles, the British Royal Family has denied this.

Afterward, time seemed to stand still here. It became a place where no one lived for years; buildings and shops remained exactly as they were, while nature slowly reclaimed the city. Consequently, Maraş eventually came to be known as a “ghost town.”

GHOST CITY

The area was evacuated during the conflicts in Cyprus and the events of 1974. People left the region, abandoning their homes, hotels, shops, and daily lives. Maraş subsequently became a largely closed-off zone.

After a full 46 years, a section of the area was reopened to visitors on October 8, 2020. Today, you can walk along specific avenues and streets in Maraş, stroll by the seaside, and even rent a bicycle or golf cart to explore the surroundings.

However, this is not a typical tourist destination. You can view the old hotels, shops, and abandoned buildings from the outside, but entering the structures is prohibited. Walking quietly through streets that once bustled with people and seeing traces of the life that used to exist there is a truly unique experience.

Moreover, entry to the area is free of charge. You are, however, required to present an ID card or passport at the entrance. Visiting hours may vary depending on the season but generally run from morning until evening.

A JOURNEY INTO THE PAST

In short, Varosha is not merely a place of abandoned buildings. It is a unique location where you can witness how a city—once one of the Mediterranean’s most renowned holiday destinations—succumbed to silence over the years. As you walk through it, you behold the beauty of the sea and the coastline alongside the empty hotels and streets left behind by the past. This contrast makes Varosha truly striking.

Perhaps the most thought-provoking aspect is this: while Varosha’s buildings tell us the story of the past, no photograph can fully capture the lives that were once lived within them.

Do not leave without visiting.