Political Cyprus

The political climate, and the turmoil that the island has experienced in recent history, is something that many visitors to Cyprus are completely unaware of. This is an issue of a highly sensitive nature, those who live on the unoccupied part of the island live with the knowledge that there are over 30,00 Turkish troops on the occupied side. The unoccupied side of Cyprus is home to some 250,000 refugees who have fled from the occupied side, effectively making them refugees within their own country.

The UN Buffer

The Capital city, Nicosia, is home to the UN buffer zone which is between 20 – 50 meters wide, and it is here that the determination of the Cypriot people to wipe away signs of the 23 years of Turkish invasion can be seen. The government is currently committed to a programme of the restoration and leasing of traditional buildings, returning them to their original condition. This applies to all buildings even those whose backyard fences form part of the border with the UN buffer zone.

Looking into the UN Buffer Zone you come face to face with buildings that are marked with bullet holes, UN guards alongside Greek and Turkish ones, each with their respective flags prominently displayed and above all an eerie silence. If you were to jump over the fences that form the buffer zone it is possible to walk through the UN buffer zone, however this is something that is not recommended, nor is the taking of photographs which would pinpoint your location. Locals refer to this zone as the dead zone and with good reason.

In the last year alone, several people have unfortunately been fatally shot for entering the Buffer Zone.

The Dead Zone

The term Dead Zone really does capture the mood of the area. This part of Nicosia has been in a lifeless limbo that has been devoid of all life for a considerable length to time. Homes in this area have been left exactly as they were 23 years ago, with beds unmade, clothes left out, food decaying on dishes and everything covered in a layer of dust. Family pictures covered in dust still adorn the wall. And in those buildings where the Greek forced made their base patriotic slogans still grace the walls – a moment in time all captures in a dusty atmosphere as if the time has stopped.

The fences are peppered with holes, many of which were used as sniper posts, and peering through these, the cracks between the 44-gallon drums, filled with concrete, and the short walls the Turkish occupied side appears dilapidated and dormant with the exception of the sounds of passing motor vehicles that are passing in the near distance. This area is at complete odds with unoccupied side of Nicosia with its vibrant nightlife, stunning restaurants and bustling commercial areas.

Fascinating to historians and current events enthusiasts alike, it is well worth familiarising yourself with Cyprus’ political history and current situation before you visit.