Cyprus Convention of 1878

Cypriot history

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June 25, 2026

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The Cyprus Convention of 1878 was an agreement between Britain and Turkey. This convention placed Cyprus under British administration, though it remained under Turkish sovereignty. Britain's goal was to establish a strategic base in the eastern Mediterranean.

In 1914, Britain annexed Cyprus during World War I, a move recognized by Turkey in the Treaty of Lausanne. Cyprus officially became a crown colony in 1925. The Greek Cypriot population initially welcomed British rule, hoping for union with Greece (enosis), a desire opposed by Turkish Cypriots. This divergence became a central political issue on the island.

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Cyprus
British rule
The Cyprus Convention of 1878 between Britain and Turkey provided that Cyprus, while remaining under Turkish sovereignty, should be administered by the British government. Britain’s aim in occupying Cyprus was to secure a base in the eastern Mediterranean for possible operations in the Caucasus or Mesopotamia…
Read More
The Cyprus Convention of 1878 between Britain and Turkey provided that Cyprus, while remaining under Turkish sovereignty, should be administered by the British government. Britain’s aim in occupying Cyprus was to secure a base in the eastern Mediterranean for possible operations in the Caucasus or Mesopotamia…
Read More