But the strange story of Varosha, Cyprus, shows how one of the world's most popular tourist destinations became an empty, crumbling ruin overnight.
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It was the modern, tourist area of the city, with around 39,000 residents, & the biggest tourist destination in Cyprus.
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But decades of inter-ethnic violence had been brewing in Cyprus. Its majority Greek Cypriot & minority Turkish Cypriot population were increasingly at odds.
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For Turkey, this was a bridge too far. In the same year, the Turkish army invaded Cyprus.
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The war ended with the eventual establishment of a Turkish Cypriot state in the north of the island, recognised by Turkey alone & decried by the EU & UN as an illegal occupation.
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Famagusta had fallen on the Turkish side. So it remained, with no formal ceasefire or settlement between Greece & Turkey.
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To do that, it saw the rich tourist district of Varosha as an invaluable bargaining chip.
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Turkey wanted to keep hold of Varosha & trade it back to Greece in exchange for recognition.
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But the peace deal never came.
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Some have even reported seeing sea turtles laying eggs on the deserted beaches where people once sunbathed.
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One garage is even still fully-stocked with rusting 1970s automobiles.
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Turkish troops still patrol the area, & are authorised to use lethal force on trespassers.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZdfpDfWkAAd8TZ.jpg)
Bedding still lies on the beds of the hotels, & curtains are still drawn over the windows.
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Meanwhile, the sea & winds batter it, & turn the once thriving tourist resort into a crumbling ruin.
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Varosha seems to wear that future more visibly than any other place, a future that never had a chance to live but lives on only in the traces left behind.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZdfurEX4AAWodF.jpg)