During World War I, Cyprus was a British colony that served as a strategic naval base for the British Royal Navy in the Eastern Mediterranean. The British had annexed Cyprus from the Ottoman Empire in 1914, just before the outbreak of WWI, and it remained under British control until it gained independence in 1960.
According to a report by the Foreign Office in 1914, “The advantages to Great Britain of the occupation of Cyprus were considerable, and the cost of maintaining an efficient garrison on the island would be amply repaid by the strategic and other benefits of the position.”
During the war, Cyprus played a crucial role in the British war effort as it provided a base for British naval operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. It also served as a refuge for Allied soldiers who were wounded or sick and needed medical treatment.
Here are some interesting facts about Cyprus during WWI:
Cyprus was not directly involved in the fighting during WWI but played an important supporting role for the British forces.
The island served as a base for the British submarine fleet, which carried out operations against enemy shipping in the Mediterranean.
The British built a network of defence lines around the coast of Cyprus to protect the island from possible enemy attacks.
Cyprus was also used as a place of exile for political prisoners during the war. Many Armenians who were accused of instigating rebellion against the Ottoman Empire were deported to Cyprus by the British authorities.
The population of Cyprus at the time was around 270,000. The majority of the population were Greek Cypriots, with a minority of Turkish Cypriots.
To summarize, Cyprus served as a vital British colonial possession during WWI, providing a strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean for the British navy.
Fact
Detail
Location
Eastern Mediterranean
Population
Around 270,000
Colonial Power
British
Role
Strategic naval base, medical treatment hub, place of exile
As Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister during WWI, once said, “There is no doubt that Cyprus has played and will play a significant part in the history of the Eastern Mediterranean.”
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Cyprus became divided after tensions rose between the Greek and Turkish populations following the country’s independence from Britain, leading to a Greek-backed coup in 1974. Turkey intervened unilaterally to protect the Turkish minority, which embarrassed the military government in Greece and led to international condemnation when Turkey continued to push further across the island. The Turkish Cypriot administration was created, and many people were forced out of their homes and cleared from the north. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot government declared independence, which was only supported by Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Despite international condemnation, the island remains divided today.
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In 1878, Great Britain assumed the provisional administration of Cyprus. In 1914, when the Ottoman Empire entered the First World War, Cyprus was unilaterally annexed by Great Britain.
The British Empire
This remained in place until 5 November 1914, when after the Ottomans joined the Central Powers, in turn entering World War I, Britain declared the complete annexation of Cyprus into the British Empire, albeit under a military administration status.
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Who originally owned Cyprus?
The reply will be: In 1878 the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, came under British control. Its population is made up of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Greek Cypriot majority desired the removal of British rule and union with Greece, known as Enosis.
Why did Britain give up Cyprus?
Response to this: On August 16, 1960 Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom, after the long anti-British campaign by the Greek Cypriot EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters), a guerrilla group which desired political union with Greece, or enosis.
Who owned Cyprus in 1910?
Response will be: the British Empire British Cyprus was the island of Cyprus under the dominion of the British Empire, administrated sequentially from 1878 to 1914 as a British protectorate, from 1914 to 1925 as a unilaterally annexed military occupation, and from 1925 to 1960 as a Crown colony.
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Why did Turkey take over Cyprus?
Answer: The coup staged by the Athens’ junta against the elected government of President Makarios on July 15, 1974, served Turkey as a pretext to impose its divisive plans against Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, violating all rules of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
What happened to Cyprus during WW1?
Cyprus was then annexed by the British Empire on 5 November 1914. During the course of the First World War Britain offered to cede Cyprus to Greece if they would fulfill treaty obligations to attack Bulgaria, but Greece declined.
Who ruled Cyprus in 1878?
In 1878 the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, came under British control. Its population is made up of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Greek Cypriot majority desired the removal of British rule and union with Greece, known as Enosis.
Why did the British occupy Cyprus in 1878?
The answer is: A British protectorate under nominal Ottoman suzerainty was established over Cyprus by the Cyprus Convention of 4 June 1878, following the Russo-Turkish War, in which the British occupied the island as a consequence of the Ottoman Empire ‘s actions throughout the duration of the war.
When did Cyprus become a British colony?
The answer is: Cyprus was part of the British Empire under military occupation from 1914 to 1925 and a Crown colony from 1925 to 1960. Cyprus’ status as a protectorate of the British Empire ended in 1914 when the Ottoman Empire declared war against the Triple Entente powers, which included Great Britain.
Who ruled Cyprus in 1878?
Answer: In 1878 the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, came under British control. Its population is made up of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Greek Cypriot majority desired the removal of British rule and union with Greece, known as Enosis.
When was Cyprus conquered by the Ottomans?
Cyprus which was ruled by different suzerains, but which never in its entire history came under Greek rule, was conquered by the Ottomans in 1571 and ruled by them until 1878.
Why did the British come to Cyprus in 1878?
The island’s population welcomed the arrival of the British in 1878, as it meant the end of the long Turkish occupation, on one hand, but also because (bearing in mind the example of the Ionian islands) it was believed to be a necessary transitional stage for the final purpose, which was the return of Cyprus to Greece.
What happened to Cyprus during WW1?
Answer to this: Cyprus was then annexed by the British Empire on 5 November 1914. During the course of the First World War Britain offered to cede Cyprus to Greece if they would fulfill treaty obligations to attack Bulgaria, but Greece declined.
Interesting Facts
It’s interesting that,Cyprus has a rich and varied history. The first evidence of human habitation in Cyprus can be traced back to the early Neolithic Period or Stone Age around 10,000 BC.Cyprus’s geographic position has caused Cyprus to be influenced by differing Eastern Mediterranean civilizations over the millennial.
You knew that,Cyprus was the trophy of Britain when Turkey lost the war with Russia. The British did improve the quality of life for the Cypriots. They built roads and organised the civil government.But after several years, the Greek Cypriot population started longing for independence.
And did you know that,Cyprus has one of the most extensive varieties of ancient cultures on earth – a butterfly collection of past warriors.Those who would have conquered then now manage to capture the hearts and minds of those who travel today.
