Travellers pass through passport control to enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in central Nicosia

Travellers pass through passport control to enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in central Nicosia March 13, 2014. Across the island of Cyprus there are 6 Border crossings allowing movement between Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the south of the Island. There are passport controls on the borders, although the TRNC is not officially recognised by the United Nations Security Council. People cross the borders for both work and leisure and both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots can move freely. This year marks 40 years since the Cyprus National Guard staged a coup in Cyprus and the subsequent Turkish military intervention, which escalated a civil war between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island. After the ceasefire a heavily restricted UN controlled Buffer Zone between the north and south of the island was put into operation. It stretches 180 Km across the whole island measuring 7.4 km at its widest and 3.3 meters at its narrowest point. It is restricted to the general public and no Greek or Turkish Cypriots are allowed inside. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN)

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Contained in galleries: Frozen in Time - the Cyprus buffer zone

Travellers pass through passport control to enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in central Nicosia March 13, 2014. Across the island of Cyprus there are 6 Border crossings allowing movement between Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the south of the Island. There are passport controls on the borders, although the TRNC is not officially recognised by the United Nations Security Council. People cross the borders for both work and leisure and both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots can move freely. This year marks 40 years since the Cyprus National Guard staged a coup in Cyprus and the subsequent Turkish military intervention, which escalated a civil war between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island. After the ceasefire a heavily restricted UN controlled Buffer Zone between the north and south of the island was put into operation. It stretches 180 Km across the whole island measuring 7.4 km at its widest and 3.3 meters at its narrowest point. It is restricted to the general public and no Greek or Turkish Cypriots are allowed inside. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN)