The British controlled Cyprus for roughly 82 years, from 1878 until 1960 when Cyprus gained independence.
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The British controlled Cyprus for roughly 82 years, from 1878 until 1960 when Cyprus gained independence. During this time, Cyprus served as a strategic location for the British Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean.
One famous quote on British rule in Cyprus comes from novelist Lawrence Durrell, who served in the British colonial administration: “Cyprus is a British island with an oriental twist, which makes it one of the most attractive places in the Mediterranean.”
Here are some interesting facts about British rule in Cyprus:
- The initial British occupation of Cyprus was meant to be a temporary measure to protect the Ottoman Empire from Russian expansion. However, the British decided to stay permanently and officially annexed the island in 1914.
- During World War II, Cyprus served as an important military base for British forces in the Middle East and North Africa. The island was also a key location for intelligence gathering and espionage activities.
- In the 1950s, Cyprus was rocked by a nationalist movement for independence led by organizations such as EOKA. The British responded with force and the conflict resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.
- Cyprus finally gained independence on August 16, 1960 after negotiations between the British, Greek Cypriots, and Turkish Cypriots. However, the country was immediately embroiled in a power struggle between the two ethnic groups that eventually led to a Turkish invasion in 1974 and the ongoing division of the island.
Here is a table summarizing key events during British rule in Cyprus:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1878 | British occupation of Cyprus begins |
| 1914 | British formally annex Cyprus |
| 1939 | World War II begins, Cyprus becomes important military base |
| 1955 | Nationalist movement for independence begins |
| 1958 | London-Zurich agreements pave way for independence |
| 1960 | Cyprus gains independence |
Video answer to “How long did the British control Cyprus?”
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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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.
Britain annexed Cyprus in 1914, after more than 300 years of Ottoman rule. Britain had occupied the island in 1878, although it remained nominally under Ottoman sovereignty. Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, after 82 years of British control. The island was initially a protectorate, but was annexed by Britain on the outbreak of war with the Ottoman Empire in 1914, becoming a Crown Colony in 1925.
1914 – Cyprus annexed by Britain after more than 300 years of Ottoman rule. Britain had occupied the island in 1878, although it remained nominally under Ottoman sovereignty.
On 5 November 1914 Britain annexed Cyprus, bringing an end to the convention. Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, after 82 years of British control.
In 1878 the West returned when Britain took over Cyprus with the agreement of the Ottoman government. At first protectorate, the island was annexed by Britain on the outbreak of war with the Ottoman Empire in 1914, becoming a Crown Colony in 1925.
Also, individuals are curious
How long was Cyprus under British rule?
Cyprus was part of the British Empire under military occupation from 1914 to 1925 and a Crown colony from 1925 to 1960.
Thereof, Is part of Cyprus still British?
The answer is: Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, after 82 years of British control. The two countries now enjoy warm relations; however, the continuing British sovereignty of the Akrotiri and Dhekelia Sovereign Base Areas has continued to divide Cypriots.
People also ask, Why is Cyprus very British?
Answer: Cyprus used to be a British Colony
From 1925 to 1960 Cyprus was a Crown colony and integrated into the British empire, following the London and Zurich Agreements of 19 February 1959. That’s why there are many British customs that are found on the island.
Also question is, How long did the Cyprus war last? Answer: Turkish invasion of Cyprus
| Date | 20 July – 18 August 1974 (4 weeks and 1 day) |
|---|---|
| Location | Cyprus |
| Result | Turkish victory Greek Cypriot military junta in Cyprus collapses on 23 July 1974 Greek military junta in Greece collapses on 24 July 1974 200,000 Greek Cypriots displaced 50,000 Turkish Cypriots displaced |
When did Britain colonize Cyprus? British Cyprus was the island of Cyprus under the dominion of the British Empire, administered sequentially from 1878 to 1914 as a British protectorate, a unilaterally annexed military occupation from 1914 to 1925 and from 1925 to 1960 as a Crown colony. Who colonized Cyprus?
Herein, When did the Ottoman Empire end control of Cyprus?
As an answer to this: The Russo-Turkish War ended the Ottoman control of Cyprus in 1878. Cyprus then came under the control of the British Empire with its conditions set out in the Cyprus Convention between the United Kingdom and Ottoman Empire.
What happened to Cyprus during WW1?
The response is: 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.
Beside above, Who ruled Cyprus in 1878?
Response: 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.