A Historical Perspective on Entrepreneurial Environment and Business-Government-Society Relationship in Cyprus

Abstract

This article studies the entrepreneurial environment and business-government-society relationship in Cyprus during the Ottoman Empire period (1571-1878) and during the British Colonial period (1878-1960) with an emphasis on Cypriot Turks. These two periods have particular socio-cultural and economic importance in Cypriot history. Furthermore, these periods are significant in terms of setting out the basis of today’s entrepreneurial culture and practices in Cyprus. This article presents insights on the governance styles, significant figures and positions within society during those periods. It also discusses the connections between administrative officials and businesses. By doing so, it aims to shed light on the entrepreneurial environment in each of these periods. Extensive research of historical documents and relevant literature suggests quite similar structures in both periods, yet more complicated relationships during the British Colonial period.