Commercial Activities in the Island in the Light of the Report of Watkins, the Last British Consul in Cyprus: 1877 Trade Report

Abstract

Throughout history, Cyprus has been a target for many states due to its geopolitical and geostrategic position. In this regard, the Ottoman Empire quickly recognized the strategic importance of the island and incorporated it into its territories. Particularly with the Industrial Revolution, the economic significance of Cyprus became increasingly prominent. Being the largest island in the Eastern Mediterranean and its proximity to the mainland turned the island into a strategic base. Its location led foreign states to establish consulates on the island. The British, in this context, were among the first states to open a representative office. For England, the leading country of the Industrial Revolution, Cyprus quickly became an important stop along the Mediterranean trade route. As is known, consuls are responsible for reporting on the political, social, cultural, and economic life of the countries they are assigned to, to their home states. During this period, Britain increased its interest in the region and effectively took control of the island in 1878. However, just before this transfer of authority, the last British consul to serve on the island, Watkins, prepared a report in 1877 that provides detailed information on both the economic performance of the Ottoman administration and the commercial potential of Cyprus. This report addresses various issues such as the commercial products of the period, export structures, infrastructure problems, and tax policies, providing a panoramic view of the economic situation on the island. The present study aims to highlight the information contained in the British Consul's report and shed light on the commercial life in Cyprus.