Famagusta is arguably the city of Cyprus with the most recent history. In the 1970’s, this popular tourist attraction sold out more than 50 hotels on the beach. Being the closest port to Turkey, it was the best place for an invasion. No more than a week later, the city become fully abandoned. Walking through the lonely streets of Famagusta places you directly in the cities history.

Even though the ghost town of Varosha is the most notable part of Famagusta, the well-preserved Venetian walls of a medieval fortress is not too far behind. Being home of the Lala Pasha Mustafa Mosque, this medieval city is sure to catch your attention.

Personal Connections

Before arriving in Cyprus, my grandfather, or Papou in Greek, told me about my Mother’s Godfather who was from Famagusta. I do not know much about him except for the fact that we share the same name. When experiencing the history of Famagusta, I felt a connection to my family. I saw the beginnings of building beautiful structures that were halted immediately. There were family businesses with welcome signs, and gorgeous homes growing vines in the windows. For a second, I thought that my Mother’s Godfather could have been wrongfully moved out of his house, and forced to give up any form of income. For the first time in this trip, I felt a sense of sadness. After reflecting on this experience, I do not regret a minute of it. I learned that you cannot take a day for granted because nobody knows what the future holds. I felt a rush of gratitude.

This was not the only personal connection I felt. When entering the Venitian walls, I was faced with the exceptional structure called the Lala Pasha Mustafa Mosque. Contradicting to its name, the structure held every feature of a Venetian Cathedral besides a queer but beautiful tower jutting out of the top. This tower was a minaret, the most defining part of a Mosque. From a viewing standpoint, the Lala Pasha Mustafa Mosque tells an entire story only from its architecture.

After the Ottoman’s took over Famagusta, the Venetian Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was immediately converted to a mosque. As a Christian, experiencing a different viewpoint of religion was a great experience. The peace of the vast inside of the mosque consumed me.

The Importance of Famagusta

Though we did not visit any Cyprian companies this day, my knowledge of Cyprus being a geographically powerful country was confirmed. I was able to experience the desire for ownership of the country no matter the empire of the time. Famagusta holds the history of entirely different cultures evident by the old Saint Nicholas Cathedral, and current Mustafa Mosque. Anybody stepping into the venetian walls or ghost town of Verona will leave with a fuller understanding of the importance of Cyprus as an asset to any civilization.