Why Did The British Leave Cyprus: A Historical Perspective

British Cyprus refers to the period when the island of Cyprus was under British control. This colonization began in 1878 when Cyprus was established as a British protectorate and lasted until 1914. During the period from 1914 to 1925, it was unilaterally annexed by the British as a military occupation. Subsequently, from 1925 to 1960, Cyprus remained under British rule as a Crown colony. The United Kingdom’s presence in Cyprus came to an end in 1960 when Cyprus gained its independence.

In 1878, Great Britain took over provisional control of Cyprus, marking the beginning of British influence on the island. Then, in 1914, amidst the chaos of the First World War, Great Britain made a unilateral decision to formally annex Cyprus. This act effectively extended British dominion over the island, a move that would later be formally acknowledged by Turkey in the Peace Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. This treaty solidified the British administration of Cyprus and its status as a British colony, setting the stage for significant developments and tensions in the region.

Cyprus achieved its independence from the United Kingdom on August 16, 1960, following the signing of the Zürich and London Agreement between the United Kingdom, Greece, and Turkey. This agreement marked a crucial step in the decolonization process of Cyprus, as it outlined the terms and conditions under which the island nation would become a sovereign state. The agreement was the result of diplomatic negotiations and discussions among these three nations, and it paved the way for the formal end of British colonial rule in Cyprus. Consequently, Cyprus emerged as an independent nation, marking a significant moment in its history.