In the early 1970s, Varosha in Famagusta, Cyprus was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, welcoming celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.... Greek Cypriots are further challenged by a Muslim religious foundation, Evak, that claims to be the sole owner of the town.... “ Varosha is an example of how things can change in a frozen conflict because it’s gradually opened up.” In 2020, the northern administration decided to reopen parts of Varosha to tourist

A once beautiful seaside town, and a holiday hotspot loved by many Hollywood stars including Elizabeth Taylor, has been left eerily empty for more than 50 years. Varosha in Cyprus was one of Europe’s smartest resorts, but its fate changed rapidly after the Turkish army invaded the northern part of the island on July 20, 1974, in response to an attempted coup sponsored by the Greek junta five days prior. The soldiers' arrival prompted 180, 000 Greek Cypriots to flee Cyprus’ northern third, includ