July 20, 1974, marked a pivotal moment in the history of Cyprus when Turkish soldiers launched an invasion of the island. The invasion, purportedly aimed at safeguarding Turkish Cypriots from persecution, resulted in the division of Cyprus into two entities.
For the past fifty years, Cyprus has remained split between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized solely by Turkey. Despite Turkey’s claim, the international community views Northern Cyprus as Turkish-occupied territory. The Turkish Land Forces maintain a significant presence on the island, perpetuating the divide.
The United Nations Buffer Zone serves as the demarcation line, slicing through the heart of Cyprus, including its capital, Nicosia.
A Desolate Borderland
Spanning from 11 feet to 4.6 miles in width, the Buffer Zone, hastily evacuated during the Turkish invasion, has languished in a state of abandonment, frozen in time.
The Nicosia International Airport, once bustling with activity, now lies deserted within the Zone. Left to decay, its planes, departure lounges, and cafes bear witness to decades of neglect, shrouded in thick layers of dust.
Billboards and signs, relics of a bygone era, continue to display advertisements for products long obsolete, echoing a time when life flourished within these now desolate streets and neighborhoods.
The Ghost Towns of Nicosia
Residential and commercial districts of Nicosia, evacuated during the conflict, now lie in ruins. Once vibrant streets now stand eerily empty, overtaken by neglect and decay.
Former homes, surrounded by barbed wire and transformed into makeshift fortifications, serve as stark reminders of a turbulent past. Watchtowers, scattered throughout the landscape, silently bear witness to the divided history of Cyprus, offering surveillance along the length of the divide.
A Forbidden Realm
Despite the passage of time, the Buffer Zone remains off-limits to both Turkish and Greek Cypriots, their access restricted to viewing it from afar. Fortified walls, crisscrossing Nicosia, serve as physical barriers, reinforcing the division that has endured for over four decades.
As Cyprus navigates the complexities of its divided past, the Buffer Zone stands as a haunting testament to the enduring scars of conflict and the elusive quest for reconciliation.
