Archaeologist reveals findings from Athalassa Hospital bombing excavation

On July 20, 1974, Turkish aircraft bombed the Athalassa Hospital in Cyprus, resulting in the deaths of 33 individuals, including 31 patients—three of whom were Turkish Cypriots—and two nurses. The attack, which targeted a nearby military storage depot, destroyed Ward 1 and damaged Ward 2. Victims ranged in age from 22 to 80, with two bodies recovered and buried by families shortly after the tragedy.

Archaeologist Michalis Iakovides, who led excavations starting in November 2017, recently detailed the harrowing discoveries at the site. His team recovered remains consistent with eyewitness accounts of victims wrapped in blankets and sheets. Notable artifacts included eyeglasses embedded in remains and dozens of 'Serenace' medicine ampoules. The excavations confirmed intense destruction, including a large crater caused by a 500-pound bomb and evidence of fire damage. These findings provide a stark physical record of the events that occurred between 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. during the 1974 conflict.