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The long-abandoned coastal town of Maras in northern Cyprus partially reopened to the public on Oct. 8, 2020, after being sealed off for 46 years. Situated in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the area had been under military control since the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation and was off-limits to civilians.
Now, visitors are finally walking through streets frozen in time, making Maras an open-air museum of a forgotten past.
Before the division of the island, Maras was one of Cyprus’ top holiday destinations, famed for its golden beaches and turquoise waters. The resort area once hosted Hollywood stars and was dubbed the "Las Vegas of the Mediterranean" due to its vibrant nightlife and luxury hotels.
But after the conflict of 1974, it became a fenced-off military zone. The reopening of parts of the district marks a historic shift, both symbolically and politically.
Today, visitors—both local and international—flock to explore the haunting remnants of a city frozen in 1974. Crumbling hotels, untouched shop windows, and preserved street layouts offer a rare glimpse into history. The reopening has stirred emotional responses from many, particularly Cypriots with ties to the area.
“Every time I walk here, I feel a wave of emotion,” one visitor said. “We’ve waited decades for this. I’m proud to witness the rebirth of this town.”
While full access to the area remains restricted, redevelopment efforts have already begun. Roads are being repaired and buildings assessed for restoration. Local businesses are gradually reopening, and the area is being promoted as a cultural heritage and tourism site.
There is growing hope that Maras may once again become a prominent Mediterranean destination—this time with a deeper sense of memory and reconciliation.
Maras occupies a strategic position near the Green Line—the buffer zone dividing the island. Its reopening, even partially, has drawn significant attention as a symbol of shifting dynamics in Cyprus.
“It’s like the city is shaking off the dust of history,” said one local. “Maras is coming back to life.”
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