Cyprus, the divided island

The not yet resolved etnic conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots is one of the older conflicts in the world. Since 1974 the island has been divided in a southern and a northern part. The Republic of Cyprus, the southern part, is where the Greek majority lives and this state is member of the European Union. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a self declared state, created by the Turkish invasion of the northern part of the island in 1974. North Cyprus is not recognized by the international community, except by Turkey. The division line between North and South is called the Green Line. This ceasefire line of varying width is transformed into a bufferzone controlled by the UN Peaceforce called UNFICYP. The Green Line also divides the capital Nicosia which is the only remaining divided capital in the world. Inside the bufferzone lies the former Nicosia airport which has been abandoned since 1974. The former Greek resort town of Varosha on the eastern coast has since 1974 kept occupied by Turkish military. Varosha today is a ghost town with slowly desintegrating houses and highrise hotels. Entry is forbidden to anyone. This series is part of my ongoing project on frozen conflicts and so called pseudo states, in effect entities without international recognition.