Why was Kayakoy abandoned?
With origins in the 14th century, Kayaköy was forcefully abandoned at the end of the Greco-Turkish War when a population exchange meant that Muslims and Christians were exchanged between Greece and Turkey so that each country could claim one major religion in the path toward ethnic and national homogeneity.
Can you visit kayakoy?
Kayaköy was adopted by the UNESCO as a World Friendship and Peace Village. There is an entrance booth (by the lower church) which is attended (Apr to Oct) 9am-7pm, and (Nov to Mar) 8am-5pm.
How do I get to kayakoy?
You can reach Kayakoy easily by either taking a taxi from Hisaronu, Olu Deniz or Fethiye. Prices will be less from Hisaronu or Olu Deniz as it is much closer compared to Fethiye town itself. You could even rent a car or bike for the day, which is what we usually do.
Do people live in Famagusta now?
Before 1974, Varosha was the modern tourist area of the Famagusta city. Its Greek Cypriot inhabitants fled during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, when the city of Famagusta came under Turkish control, and it has remained abandoned ever since.
Who lives in Famagusta?
The majority of the city population were Greek Cypriots (26,500), with 8,500 Turkish Cypriots and 4,000 people from other ethnic groups.
What is the history of Kayakoy?
At the beginning of the 19th century, Kayakoy was in full flow. Schools, churches, shops and business operated in harmony. Life was good. The village was thriving as a community. The twist and most important part of its history lie in the fact that within the village, Greeks and Turks lived side-by-side.
What makes Kayakoy come alive?
I was able to imagine the tragedy that caused the citizens to turn on their friends, abandon their homes, their dreams and everything they knew. Kayakoy might be a ghost village but imagination and research certainly makes it come alive. At the beginning of the 19th century, Kayakoy was in full flow.
Why is Kayakoy Turkey so famous?
In the churches of the Kayakoy village that are decorated with stone carvings and artificial marble reliefs and frescoes the service is scheduled to be resumed. As a result Kayakoy Turkey is supposed to be a symbol of peace and friendship between Turkey and Greece.
Is Kayakoy a ghost village?
Kayakoy might be a ghost village but imagination and research certainly makes it come alive. At the beginning of the 19th century, Kayakoy was in full flow. Schools, churches, shops and business operated in harmony. Life was good. The village was thriving as a community.