Media: Turkish Cypriot Leader Plans to Demolish Several Buildings in Varosha

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has announced his intention to demolish certain buildings in Varosha and rebuild them to boost the economy in the north.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, the president of Northern Cyprus stated that the first goal has already been achieved, as parts of the ghost town have been opened to visitors.

“It’s clear that the reopening of Varosha has brought both direct and indirect benefits to our economy. I hope that during the upcoming process, issues will be resolved through the Immovable Property Commission,” said the president of the TRNC.

Tatar also claimed that the Cyprus Foundations Administration (Evkaf) is "the rightful owner of most of the land in Varosha," as the property was “transferred to the foundation in 1571” after the successful Ottoman siege of Famagusta, when the city was reclaimed from the Venetian Republic.

He further stated that the British, “in violation of the 1878 agreement [when the Ottoman Empire leased the island to the British Empire], handed over key properties in Varosha to Greek Cypriots.”

The Greek Cypriot side has long disputed this claim, asserting that the British government provided the Turkish Cypriot community with £1.5 million in 1960 as a full and final settlement of property disputes, including claims by Evkaf regarding Varosha.

The Cyprus Foundations Administration (Evkaf) is an organization that oversees foundations and registered properties on the island. It was officially established in 1571, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus.

Also read: How to visit the ghost town of Varosha.