KARAVAS, KYRENIA DISTRICT, CYPRUS

VILLAGE IN CYPRUS, OCCUPIED ILLEGALLY BY THE TURKISH ARMY

TURKISH STATE TERRORISM AGAINST CYPRUS SINCE 1974

Karavas was captured by the Turkish army after Turkey attacked CYPRUS July 20, 1974. Karavas was captured during the second Turkish invasion with code name "ATTILA 2", and after fierce battles that took place on August 6-8 1974. The Turkish army first surrounded both Karavas, as well as Lapithos (Ancient Greek Lambousa) and attacked with full force and with no prior provocation. The Turkish attacks ALWAYS began AFTER a cease-fire agreement was agreed and signed.

Click on map to see the location of Karavas, on the north coast of Cyprus.

Agios Evlalios Greek Orthodox Church and Acheropiitos Greek Orthodox Monastery in occupied Karavas. 

Click photo to see the enlargement.

Another panoramic photo of the small fishing boats harbor of Karavas. You can also see Greek Orthodox Church of Agios (Saint) Evlalios as well as the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Achiropiitos. In the far horizon you can see Lapithos, and Mount Pentadactylos.

Click photo to see the enlargement.

Occupied ILLEGALLY by Turkish Troops since 1974

Greek Orthodox Church of Panayia Euaggelistria in occupied Karavas, Kyrenia, CYPRUS. Panayia's Church is in the center of Karavas village, while on the far horizon you can see the MARE MONTE beach and Hotel and the beautiful Kyrenian sea. 

Click to enlarge.

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCHES IN Turkish OCCUPIED KARAVAS, 
KYRENIA, CYPRUS

Virgin Mary "Achiropiitos" (Greek means It was not made by a Human but a Divine Hand) Greek Orthodox Church and Monastery. 
It is being used by the Turkish occupation army as a military camp.
The Greek Orthodox Church of Agia Irini. (Santa Irene) in occupied Karavas.
The church was  destroyed and decimated by Turkish terrorists. 
The Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Georgios (Saint George) in occupied Karavas. 
 It had been looted, deserted, and destroyed by the Turkish occupation regime.
The Magnificent Greek Orthodox Church of Panagia Euaggelistria (Virgin Mary) in occupied Karavas, was one of the biggest and most glamorous churches in Cyprus before the 1974 barbaric Turkish invasion against Cyprus.

1974 TURKISH INVASION

During the 1974 barbaric Turkish invasion, Karavas and Lapithos villages were defended by 74 soldiers of the Karavas 256 Infantry Regiment of the Cyprus National Guard and with light infantry weapons mainly Mauser 1899. The Turks, after surrounding both Lapithos and Karavas from 3 sides, attacked the morning of Tuesday August 6 1974 deploying full force of their 28th division. This division consisted of the 61st, and 23rd infantry regiments, a commando regiment, an amphibious commando regiment, a tank unit of 30 tanks +3 tanks from the 39th division, 2 artillery units of 105mm and 7,5/18 cannons, and of course the Navy that was bombarding the two villages from the sea.

Despite their heroic defense in meeting the first wave of attacks, and the heavy casualties that they inflicted to the Turkish army, it was just impossible to hold the line for long. By noon, they received orders to retreat to Babylas - Vasilia defense lines.

After that development, ALL Greek Cypriots inhabitants were forced out of Karavas by Turkish military forces and are now refugees in their own country.

GREEK LAWFUL INHABITANTS NEVER FORGET, and wait for the holy day of RETURN.

The beautiful beach at "Pente Mili" in Karavas Kyrenia. "Pente Mili" (means the 5th -fifth- mile west of the town of Kyrenia. It was one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. This photo was taken before the 1974 Turkish invasion against Cyprus, and shows peaceful times swimming and sunbathing. The 1974 Turkish invasion against Cyprus was carried out at this beach after heavy bombardments by the Turkish air force.

Click on photo to see the enlargement.

The Greek-Cypriot own Hotel ZEPHYROS (in Greek means the cool wind coming from the west), with the Zephyros beach. The 1974 Turkish invasion and the landings of the Turkish invaders took place nearby.

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Occupied ILLEGALLY by Turkish Troops since 1974

Occupied Karavas Harbor, also known as "Ammati". Karavas village formed after some people from Lapithos, moved near the sea for shipping and fishing. The name Karavas is Greek and means 'Karavi'=boat=ship. This photo was taken from Panayia Achiropoiitos Greek Orthodox Monastery and Lambousa School. In the far Horizon South and West you can see Mount Pentadactylos and Lapithos village.

Click on image to enlarge.

Ayios (Saint) Evlalios Greek Orthodox chapel in now occupied Karavas, Kyrenia, CYPRUS. Ayios (Saint) Evlalios helps those with Speech problems. The church is now used by the Turkish army as ammunitions depot for the needs of their occupation army stationed in Cyprus. Recent information reveal that the chapel might have been demolished due to lack of repairs.

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The Greek-Cypriot own "MARE MONTE" Hotel in occupied Karavas. During the 1974 barbaric Turkish invasion, it was captured by Turkish Troops and transformed into a military Command post, and a prison.

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"ANEMOMYLOS" (Windmill) restaurant. 6 Mile Point west of Kyrenia, at Karavas village occupied by barbarian Turkish troops since 1974.

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Occupied ILLEGALLY by Turkish Troops since 1974

Ayios (Saint) Evlalios Greek Orthodox chapel in now occupied Karavas, Kyrenia, CYPRUS. Ayios (Saint) Evlalios helps those with Speech problems. Karavas village has been under ILLEGAL Turkish Military Occupation

Click on photo to enlarge.

House in Karavas Kyrenia, Cyprus, preparing the traditional clothes of the wedding. Karavas and Lapithos were famous for the production of silk, and lemons.

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Occupied Karavas and Lapithos villages in Kyrenia district CYPRUS. In the map you can see Karavas Harbor "Ammati", Ayios (Saint) Evlalios Greek Orthodox Chapel, the Ancient sites of Lambousa, Panayia Achiropoiitos Greek Orthodox Monastery. 

KARAVAS REFUGEES ASSOCIATION PUBLICATIONS

Karavas Refugees Association - First Periodical 1989

Panoramic photo of occupied Karavas in occupied part of Cyprus. In the Small Photo the Harbor of Karavas - "Ammati", and Ayios (Saint) Evlalios, and further west is Lapithos.
Click on photo to enlarge.

Karavas Refugees Association - Third Periodical 1991

The Greek-Cypriot own "MARE MONTE" Hotel. During the 1974 barbaric Turkish invasion, it was captured by Turkish Troops and transformed into a military Command post, and a prison.
Click photo to enlarge.


Occupied Karavas and the Western part of Kyrenia district in Cyprus. Occupied ILLEGALLY by Turkey since 1974.

JUSTICE and PEACE for Cyprus


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Last updated: Thursday, December 19, 2002 14:51:53 -0000 Pacific Time

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