The Greek Cypriot diaspora in the United Kingdom is one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in a country that is home to hundreds of different ethnic groups from across the Commonwealth and the world, with a history that goes back many years.
The connection between Cyprus and the UK is rooted in mutual interests and diplomatic relations, with migration waves from Cyprus to the UK and vice versa. Greek Cypriots have left a uniquely distinctive mark on British society but have not lost their traditions and roots.
They have managed to maintain strong ties to their motherland with its unique and rich history.
The most recent migration wave of Greek Cypriots to the UK began during the mid-20th century. Before that, as the Cypriots were members of the wider British Empire, which had territories across the world, population movements during this time were different.
The beginnings of the Greek Cypriot diaspora in the UK
According to historian Stavros Panteli, there were only about 150 British Cypriots in the UK before the First World War. Prior to 1918, there were very few documented marriages between Cypriots at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sophia in London. A large number of Cypriots enlisted in the Allied army during World War I. Travel became easier after the British annexed Cyprus in 1914.
The migration waves of the mid-20th century were primarily driven by economic hardship and political turmoil in Cyprus. Early arrivals began in the 1920s and 1930s, at a time when Cyprus was still part of the Empire. These were followed later by larger waves after World War II, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.
Many Cypriots, primarily of Greek descent but also from the occupied Turkish side of the Cypriot community, sought better opportunities in the UK. Others chose to leave home in an attempt to flee the constant instability and violence that was rooted in Cyprus’ struggle for independence from British rule.
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 was another milestone in the long and tragic history of this beautiful Mediterranean island. The invasion prompted another significant wave of Greek Cypriot migration towards the UK. In the 1970s, thousands of refugees joined family members already settled across the four nations of the UK, but mainly in England.
Currently, it is estimated that more than 80,000 people who were born in Cyprus now live in the UK.
London, the British capital, became the heart of the Cypriot community, with areas such as Palmers Green earning nicknames like “Palmers Greek.”
By the 1980s, Haringey was reportedly home to one of the largest Cypriot communities outside Cyprus, making London a buzzing hub of Greek Cypriots. Over time, smaller communities also flourished in cities like Birmingham and Manchester, as the Cypriots established their presence in British society.
Despite being far from their island home, as Cyprus and the UK are islands at the opposite ends of the European continent, Greek Cypriots in the UK have worked tirelessly all these decades to preserve their Greek language with its beautiful idiomatic traditions, along with everything else that makes the Greek Cypriot community distinctive and unique. Obviously, religion played a crucial role in keeping this community together.
Establishing Greek Orthodox churches and schools has been central to this effort, with the community doing their best to support afternoon language schools and large gatherings during special days in the Orthodox Christian calendar, such as Christmas and Easter, among others.
Institutions like the Cathedral of St Sophia in London have the role of spiritual and cultural hubs for both Greek Cypriots and Greeks from Greece, offering spaces where generations can connect with their heritage and traditions.
Greek language schools have also played a crucial role in passing down linguistic and cultural knowledge. Parents often view bilingualism as an asset, encouraging children to learn about their roots and to speak Greek while thriving in British schools.
Economically, migrants who moved to the UK early in the 20th century contributed through manual labour and the catering industry, establishing themselves in local communities.
However, subsequent second and third-generation Greek Cypriots have obtained a strong presence in fields like law, medicine, real estate and business.
Understandably, younger generations increasingly identify with British culture and consider themselves British. However, many still embrace their Cypriot heritage by taking an active part in festivals and other community and religious events.
Prominent members of the Greek Cypriot diaspora in the UK
The Greek Cypriot diaspora in the United Kingdom has produced a large number of prominent figures who have excelled in various fields of British society and economy.
Among the most notable is the music legend George Michael, who had a Greek Cypriot father, and Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the billionaire founder of easyJet, who revolutionised low-cost air travel.
”Stelios” as he is widely known in the UK, has managed to turn EasyJet into one of Europe’s most successful airlines, connecting every corner of the continent.
Another prominent member of the Cypriot community in the UK is Lord Andrew Adonis.
Lord Adonis is a British Labour politician and journalist, who has Greek Cypriot roots through his father, Nikos, who emigrated from Cyprus to Britain in the 1950s. His father worked as a waiter to make ends meet.
Despite going through a challenging childhood, Adonis excelled academically and became a prominent figure in British politics. Lord Adonis recently reconnected with Cyprus by applying for Cypriot citizenship post-Brexit.
Similarly, Theo Paphitis is another prominent member of the Cypriot community in the UK. He is a businessman and former Dragons’ Den star. He took risks and established his name in the UK by revitalising major retail brands in Britain like Ryman and Boux Avenue.
Cypriots continue to be at the heart of British society, whilst playing a crucial role in preserving the Greek language and Greek Orthodox faith in Britain.
Their presence there, along with the thousands of Britons who live in Cyprus, are proof of the excellent relations the two nations have, following past rivalries and problems.