Famagusta – the city on the southeast of North Cyprus. You can visit this town by taking the special tour to Famagusta. It seems like time has been stopped in Famagusta. This is because of contradictions between governments of North and South Cyprus. Located in North Cyprus, Famagusta is the center of region with the same name. The city has already been empty for 40 years. It was founded approximately 2300 years ago by the king Ptolemy II. In those times this town was known as Arsinoe. The town has been a small fishing village on the coast of deep bay for a long time. In 7th century settlers from ruined Salamin started to come to Famagusta.
During the rule of King Richard (the Lionheart) who conquered Cyprus the fortress and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas were built in Famagusta. The lords of Cyprus have been crowned in this Cathedral for many years.
Crusaders left Northern Cyprus at the end of the 13th century. Immediately after their leaving the Christians who lived in Palestine started to settle in Famagusta and the town became a trading center. In the era of Venetian rule this town got its present name – Famagusta.
One famous legend is connected with this city. In the 16th century, the Commandant of the fortress of Famagusta Cristoforo Moreau suspected his wife of adultery, killed her and dumped her body from one of the towers. This story was the prototype of Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello". The tower, which the Moreau's wife was dumped from, is called Othello.
A few years after these events, Famagusta was taken by the Turks, who rebuilt all the temples into mosques, including the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which became known as Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. All natives have been banished to the southern outskirts of Famagusta – Varosha.
From 1878 to 1969 North and South Cyprus were owned by Britain. After independence Cyprus Famagusta became actively developed as a tourist center and reached a peak in its development by the 1970s. Famagusta hotels rested the entire establishment in Europe and the United States. Rooms in many hotels were booked for many years in advance.
However, this was not for long. In 1974 in response to the desire of Greeks to integrate North Cyprus to Greece Turks brought troops into Famagusta. Locals have been delicately asked to remove, taking personal belongings only. The military promised that residents return to their homes as soon as the conflict will be resolved. In a couple of weeks.
More than 40 years have passed. Meanwhile, the conflict remains unresolved. Several times the Turkish and Greek sides put the conditions for return Famagusta, but compromise was not found. A few months after the town was abandoned, it was plundered by looters, despite all prohibitions by the authorities.
Nowadays this town remains under control of Turkish military. The entrance into Famagusta without the accompaniment is prohibited under penalty of 500 euros fine. It seems like time has been stopped in this town. It is very reminiscent Pripyat (the Ukrainian town), but with normal radiation levels.
There is an opportunity to visit Famagusta consisting of tours, but entry to the outskirts of the town, Varosha is still prohibited. In order to visit the town, you must obtain a visa from Turkish authorities. Tour to Famagusta includes visit the Othello tower, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and a short walk through the streets of the town.
