High interest for re-opened Turkish Cypriot town

GAZIMAGUSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Reopened parts of Turkish Cypriot town Maras draw intense public interest after being closed for 46 years.

Many people from not only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), but also from abroad have visited the Demokrasi (Democracy) Street and a part of the coastline of the “Ghost City” as they were reopened on Oct. 8.

A total of 18,697 people have visited the re-opened places, as per the data gathered by Anadolu Agency reporter from the officials.

Maras draws more attention on the weekend than weekdays.

It is available for visits every day between 9 a.m.and 5 p.m. local time.

TRNC Prime Minister Ersin Tatar, on his visit to Ankara on Oct. 6, expressed that they took the first concrete step towards the road map they have prepared on the re-opening of Maras.

“We are actually starting our work to present the coastal and Demokrasi Street, which belongs to the public of our land, and the coastal region for the benefit of our people,” stated Tatar during his Oct. 6 speech.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan added: “It is an indisputable fact that Maras is a territory that belongs to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The disposition right also belongs to the Turkish Cypriot officials.”

Maras had so far been a ghost town where entry was forbidden, except for Turkish army personnel stationed in the TRNC.

*Writing by Merve Berker