The once-thriving coastal town of Maras in Northern Cyprus, often referred to as the “Las Vegas of the Mediterranean,” has remained a ghost town for nearly half a century. Despite sporadic attempts at revitalisation, the area remains largely abandoned, encapsulating the complex and fraught political landscape of Cyprus.
Since 1974, Maras has been closed off to settlement and habitation. In a significant move, parts of the public beach and Democracy Avenue were opened to the public in 2020. This area, once frequented by international celebrities such as Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as members of the British royal family, now stands as a poignant reminder of its former glory. The town’s buildings, many of which are in a state of disrepair, are marked with warning signs in both English and Turkish, cautioning visitors about the risk of collapse.
Maras 8-kilometre coastline is dotted with the remnants of what once were luxurious establishments. Notable among these is the building of the Barclays Bank, which houses one of the earliest ATM-like devices where employees would deposit money in metal boxes overnight, to be processed the next morning without any reported incidents of theft or misuse. The town also hosts dilapidated luxury car showrooms that once displayed Ferrari, Jaguar, and Lamborghini models, alongside commercial outlets for brands like Hoover, Singer, and Philips. Maras infrastructure includes 105 hotels, 3,000 commercial buildings, 99 entertainment centres, 4,649 residential units, 21 banks, and 24 theatres and cinemas, all awaiting rejuvenation.
Over the years, Maras has been a focal point in the ongoing Cyprus negotiations. In 1993, the Turkish side proposed opening the Nicosia International Airport in exchange for joint administration of Maras under UN supervision, which the Greek Cypriots rejected. A decade later, in 2003, another proposal was made by the Turkish Cypriots to hand over Varosha in return for lifting trade and travel restrictions on both sides. This, too, was declined. The most notable attempt came in 2004, under the Annan Plan, which suggested transferring Maras to Greek Cypriot control while ending the embargo on Northern Cyprus and opening Ercan and Geçitkale Airports for international flights. However, the Greek Cypriots voted against this plan in a referendum.
In 2019, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) initiated an inventory study of Maras, leading to a partial reopening in October 2020. Despite these steps, the region’s future remains uncertain. The relationship between the TRNC and Turkey is pivotal, with Turkey viewing Northern Cyprus as a “baby land” and consistently supporting its claims and initiatives.
The political landscape in Turkey could significantly influence Maras fate. Despite President Erdogan’s self-perception as a world leader, his administration faces mounting challenges. The recent municipal elections saw the opposition gaining a foothold, raising the possibility of early general elections. Should the opposition come to power, they might spearhead a collaborative effort with business leaders, construction companies, and other stakeholders from the broader Turkish world to revive Maras.
While the current situation in Maras may seem bleak, these potential political shifts could usher in a new era for Northern Cyprus. An opposition-led initiative could mobilise resources and expertise, turning the tide for this long-neglected region and restoring it to its former splendour. The people of Northern Cyprus, who have tirelessly pursued their rights, may yet see a brighter future on the horizon.
