The most famous divided city of the XX century was Berlin with its famous Berlin Wall, the wreckage of which to this day reminds residents and guests of the German capital that until recently the Germans lived in two different states – the GDR and the FRG. However, in the world and now there are many divided cities that were once a single whole, and today are parts of different countries.

Nicosia / Lefkosa (Republic of Cyprus / Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)

The separation of Nicosia occurred in 1974 after the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish troops. Now, on the border between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, there is a buffer zone (pictured), which is controlled by the UN. Tourists can get from one part to another by showing a passport. The Greek part of the city is more lively and differs little from European cities. There are not many people in the Turkish part, a more measured pace of life and more dilapidated buildings. At the same time, you can visit a mosque or visit the bazaar.

Goerlitz / Zgorzelec (Germany / Poland)

As a result of World War II, part of the German Goerlitz, who found himself on the other side of the Neisse river, went to the Polish side and became known as Zgorzelec. In subsequent years, Görlitz and Zgorzelec, despite their common past and close proximity, developed as part of different states, and their residents needed special permits to get from one part to another. After Poland joined the European Union, the city again became a single organism, and today you can easily get across the bridge from one part to another. However, the years lived by local “on the border” left their mark: Görlitz has been restored much better, there are more beautiful buildings, and in Zgorzelec there are more houses of the same type and inexpressive, while tourist holidays on Polish territory are much cheaper.

Lussel (France / Switzerland)

Lucell is a small town, even a village that is divided between France and Switzerland. From the 12th to the 18th century, the abbey of the same name was located here, which was an important religious center. The southern part of Lücel was withdrawn to Switzerland in 1815, the main buildings of the abbey were in the northern part. Only separate buildings have survived to this day. Currently, the village is home to only a few dozen residents.

Astara (Azerbaijan / Iran)

The separation of Astara occurred following the results of the Russian-Persian war, which ended in 1828 with the signing of the Turkmanchay peace treaty. According to the document, the Russian side received part of the Persian possessions, the territory of which was occupied by Azerbaijani khanates. According to the agreement, the border divided Astara. Currently, part of the city on the left bank of the river of the same name belongs to Azerbaijan, and on the right bank is the Iranian city of the same name. In Soviet times, the inhabitants of the once united city could not visit each other, but currently there are no such problems. In addition, Iran allows Azerbaijanis to enter their territory for 15 days without a visa.

Gorizia / Nova Gorica (Italy / Slovenia)

The division of Italian Gorizia into two cities is also associated with the debriefing of the Second World War. According to the Paris Peace Treaty, the eastern part of the city withdrew to Yugoslavia, received the name Nova Gorica and now belongs to Slovenia. Moreover, due to the fact that most of the city remained behind Italy, the most interesting historical sights are in Gorizia. For a long time, locals needed documents to move from one part of the city to another, but the situation gradually simplified, and after Slovenia entered the Schengen zone in 2007, residents of both settlements can freely move around this territory. Interestingly, there is a place on the square in front of the station in Gorizia, standing on which you can simultaneously be in different states.

Moyale (Kenya / Ethiopia)

Moyale is a border town between Kenya and Ethiopia. Most of the settlement belongs to the Ethiopian side, and from each other parts are separated by a dried river bed. The city has a border crossing point between countries. Moyale is a small trading city, although to European tourists it will seem more like a poor village, where there are shops where you can buy everything you need. According to travelers, less attention is paid to tourists in the Kenyan part of the city, while there are many locals in Ethiopia who can be asked for help.

El Paso / Ciudad Juarez (USA / Mexico)

El Paso and Ciudad Juarez are located on the Mexican-American border. The confrontation between the United States and Mexico in the 19th century ended with the signing of the Guadalupe-Hidalgo agreement, although before its conclusion, Mexicans and whites coexisted on this territory, and each community had its own administration. According to the agreement, the border divided the single city into two parts: the American began to develop as El Paso, and the Mexican was named Ciudad Juarez. Both settlements are growing rapidly due to the advantageous position on the border of the two countries and the constant influx of migrants.

Фото: Getty Images, Caro / Andree Kaiser / Legion-Media