The Cyprus Convention, signed during the Russo-Turkish War, was an agreement that allowed the United Kingdom to take administrative control of Cyprus while preserving the Ottoman Empire's symbolic sovereignty over the island. The need for this arrangement arose from the complex geopolitical landscape of the late 19th century, particularly concerns regarding Russian expansion that threatened Ottoman territories in Europe and the East. Britain sought to establish a foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean to secure its trade routes and interests, leading to the negotiations with the Ottoman government. These discussions culminated in the convention signed on June 4, 1878.

Under the terms of the Cyprus Convention, the UK was granted the rights to govern the island, effectively marking the beginning of British colonial rule. While the Ottoman Empire retained its nominal claim, the reality was that administration, taxation, and governance were now firmly in British hands. The new governance model started to shape the legal and social systems in Cyprus, significantly impacting the local population and its interaction with the broader Ottoman Empire.

The implications of the convention extended beyond immediate governance. British administration proceeded to introduce various reforms including infrastructure development and educational changes, which were designed to modernize the island. However, British rule also led to ethnic tensions and challenges, especially as nationalist sentiments began to emerge in the early 20th century. The dual claim over sovereignty created a fraught relationship between the local populace and the authorities, leading to complexities that would unfold in the years to come.