Tatar: Our Goal is to Demolish and Rebuild Some Buildings in Varosha

Tatar recalled that, during his tenure as Prime Minister, part of the previously closed-off Varosha was opened to the public for the first time in 46 years, emphasizing, "Our aim is to demolish some buildings and restore others, bringing them into the national economy."

In an interview with the Anadolu Agency (AA) on the occasion of the anniversary, Tatar reflected on the developments in Varosha since the partial opening of the area on October 8, 2020.

"90% of Tourists Visiting the TRNC Have Seen Varosha"

Tatar outlined the significant political and economic benefits Varosha has brought to the TRNC, highlighting that 2.2 million people have visited the area since its opening, with 90% of tourists to the TRNC making it a priority to visit Varosha.

Tatar reiterated that Varosha is under the sovereignty of the TRNC, and by opening the area to the public in 2020, they have solidified their position of sovereign equality and the two-state solution with equal international status.

He further stated that the reopening of Varosha is also significant for the "Blue Homeland," adding, "As an independent Turkish state in the Mediterranean and the southernmost representative of the Turkish world, the opening of Varosha under our sovereignty has served as a major contribution to the Turkish world."

Tatar explained that their initial goal was to open parts of Varosha for public use, which they have achieved. He continued:

"Our long-term goal is to demolish some buildings and rebuild them, while restoring others to contribute to the national economy. The opening of Varosha has brought significant direct and indirect benefits to our economy. We hope that issues will be resolved through the Immovable Property Commission, but it's important to note that much of Cyprus became foundation land after 1571. In 1878, the British, in violation of the agreements, handed over foundation land in Varosha to the Greek Cypriots. The Cyprus Evkaf Administration is working on this issue and has raised objections to the handing over of foundation land. The judiciary is considering this matter, and we hope solutions will emerge through this process."

Tatar also mentioned that Varosha had been a point of discussion in the Annan Plan referendum (2004) and the Crans-Montana talks (2017), during which its return to the Greek Cypriots was debated. He pointed out that the Greek Cypriots have rejected both federation and the return of Varosha, marking the end of federation-based negotiations.

He reiterated that the TRNC would continue on its own path, asserting that, as a sovereign state, they retain full control over Varosha and its future.

The Varosha Reopening

On June 18, 2019, the Council of Ministers in the TRNC decided to initiate steps toward opening the Varosha area in Gazimağusa, which had been closed since 1974. A team of experts was assigned to carry out a scientific inventory study.

On October 8, 2020, the public was granted access to parts of Democracy Street and the beachfront in Varosha, marking the first phase of the reopening.

On July 12, 2021, as part of the second phase, another section of Varosha was declassified from military status, bringing 3.5% of the area under civilian control.

TRNC authorities continue to invite Greek Cypriots and third-country nationals with property in Varosha to apply to the Immovable Property Commission.

While the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) opposes all developments related to Varosha, the TRNC remains firm in its stance that it will not share control over the region.