‘Ghost town’ Maraş opens after 46 years
THOUSANDS of people descended on the “ghost town” of Maraş on Thursday afternoon after part of the Gazimağusa suburb, which has been closed to civilian life since 1974, was reopened.
The “historic” event saw members of the public swarm along freshly resurfaced roads leading to a beach, although access to the crumbling buildings is strictly off limits.
People, including families with children, were allowed into Maraş, also known as Varosha, through a gate next to the Dr Fazıl Küçük stadium before walking down Democracy High Street, past Eleftheria Avenue, Ermou Street and what is known as the Ayia Triada roundabout and onto the beach.
Derelict buildings, including a number of hotels, were cordoned off, including one hotel called the King George.
Signs in Turkish and English have been erected warning that buildings may collapse.
A Barclays bank branch with the word “Enosis” (union of Cyprus with Greece) daubed on its walls was visible.
Passers-by could also see a Toyota car showroom, a municipal building and the Bilal Ağa Ottoman masjid (small mosque).
The area, which is still a military zone, is open to the public every day from 9am to 5pm. Visitors must stay on the designated route. No toilet facilities are available.
During five hours on Thursday a total of 2,332 people had entered the area, a police official said.
No ID checks are required. Photography and filming is allowed within the designated area, but the use of drones is forbidden.
As well as Turkish Cypriots, it was also noted that many Greek Cypriots visited the newly opened area of Maraş plus curious foreign nationals and international media teams.
There were emotional scenes as some people were seen kissing garden walls.
Speaking to CyprusToday , National Unity Party (UBP) MP Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu said that all nationalities are allowed to visit Maraş “as well as to use the beach area”.
A planned opening ceremony had to be cancelled following an “intervention” from the Supreme Electoral Council on the grounds that it would be in breach of preelection rules.
Instead Prime Minister Ersin Tatar, who is a candidate in tomorrow’s presidential election, entered the area with his ministers at 4.30pm following a “heroic welcome” by chanting members of the public.
The premier walked up to the coastal strip and made “observations” there as flag wavers cheered and applauded him. No statement was made during the visit.
Following the visit, Mr Tatar, answering questions from the press, said: “The opening of Maraş will greatly serve humanity, even before the economic benefits. The step taken is in accordance with international law.
“We have taken this historical move after reaching agreement with [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan, through common will.
“At present, we have opened a part of the coast. We will speedily complete the infrastructure work. What was important was for us to take this historical step. With the opening of Maraş, there will be a great economic contribution to the economy of Gazimağusa.
“Maraş has been wasted for 46 years. It is first and foremost inhumane to see the ghost town wasted. For many years, the return of Maraş, as part of a federal solution, has been spoken about.
“It was also previously proposed as part of confidencebuilding measures or in return for direct flights. But there are deep differences between the sides for a federal solution. So, after many years, steps have been taken which conform to international law.
“The steps concerning properties will be made later. Properties will be returned through decisions made by the Immovable Property Commission. We foresee, firstly, the return of the properties to their former owners. Hundreds of Greek Cypriots have made applications. It is against human rights for these people to be prevented from being able to return to the properties.”
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said it was his “full belief” that “the pearl of the Eastern Mediterranean, Maraş, will be a symbol of peace and prosperity on the island, and also the vital point of the TRNC economy”.
The surprise Maraş move, which was announced by Mr Tatar during a joint press conference with Mr Erdoğan in Ankara on Tuesday, drew harsh criticism from South Cyprus.
Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades described the move as an “illegal act” and claimed that it violated UN Security Council resolutions 550 and 789.
“We will not remain idle on this issue,” Mr Anastasiades was reported to have said.
A statement from Athens “condemned” Turkey and warned that the matter will be “brought before the European leaders” at meetings on October 15 and 16. In the South Cyprus town of Derinya, which borders Maraş, protests were held.
The UN Security Council was set to discuss the matter yesterday in New York in a “closed session”, it was reported.
UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus spokesman Aleem Siddique, said the UN was “closely monitoring” the developments.