British composer releases concept album inspired by the ghost town of Varosha

British composer Terry Overall is set to release a new concept album titled VAROSHA, created in collaboration with musician Shaun Baker. The album serves as a musical reflection on the history and abandonment of the once-luxurious resort town of Varosha in Cyprus. The project was inspired by a personal experience in 2008 when Overall first witnessed the fenced-off remains of the city during a family holiday.

Historically, Varosha was a world-renowned luxury resort that attracted international visitors and Hollywood stars before the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Following the conflict, nearly 40,000 residents were forced to flee, and the area was sealed off, remaining largely inaccessible for decades. Overall’s interest in the site prompted years of extensive research into the history of the location and the broader political context of the island, which eventually led to the production of this musical tribute.

The album represents the culmination of this research, aiming to convey the sense of scale and loss associated with the site. The work is described by the creators as a respectful reflection on a location that remains a significant symbol of the unresolved situation in Cyprus.