Cyprus foreign trade in British documents (1878-1960)

The Ottoman Empire was defeated in the 1877-78 Russo-Turkish War and signed the Berlin Treaty in 1878. The administration of the island of Cyprus was transferred to England with the Cyprus Convention signed on June 4, 1878, in order to support the Ottoman Empire against Russia. Following the start of World War I in 1914, England unilaterally annexed Cyprus. As a result of the war, the annexation of Cyprus became permanent with the Treaty of Lausanne signed in 1923. Cyprus was given the status of a British Crown colony in 1925.Cyprus experienced political, administrative, social, cultural and economic changes under British rule between 1878 and 1960. Our study covers a long period in which the changes in Cyprus foreign trade were addressed over a period of 82 years. The development of Cyprus' foreign trade under British rule, its place and importance in Mediterranean and international maritime trade, and its strategic importance as a transit port are emphasized in line with British documents. The effects of British colonial policies, Cyprus policies, international relations, international trade, world wars and economic crisis periods on Cyprus foreign trade have been comparatively examined. Our study consists of 8 sections. The first section addresses the brief history of Cyprus and foreign trade during the Ottoman period. The second section examines the developments in Cyprus foreign trade during the early years of British rule and the period of World War I. The third section includes data on the commercial situation during the interwar period and the Great Depression, while the fourth section provides data on Cyprus' foreign trade during and after World War II. The sixth section covers developments in Cyprus ports and maritime transportation. The seventh section provides information on transportation and infrastructure developments, while the eighth section provides information on the banking system, income-expenditure balance and financial situation. The study sheds light on the changes experienced during war and economic crisis periods, as well as foreign trade and commercial products in Cyprus. As a result of the study, Cyprus foreign trade continued to rise during British rule. The highest foreign trade volume in the history of Cyprus was seen in the period of 1946-1959, the planned development period. This study, which includes information on the 82-year commercial policies implemented in the Island of Cyprus and their results, has been prepared with the aim of contributing to Cyprus as a historical source today and in the future. Keywords: Cyprus, Foreign trade, Import, Export, Re-export, Britain