Ottoman Crete: A Period of Change and Conflict
The Ottoman period in Crete began in 1646 with the Ottoman conquest of the western part of the island. The Venetians, however, maintained their hold on the capital Candia until 1669. The offshore island fortresses of Souda, Grambousa, and Spinalonga remained under Venetian rule until 1715. Ottoman rule in Crete was marked by several rebellions and uprisings, as well as by periods of autonomy and Egyptian control. The island ultimately became an autonomous state in 1898 and was united with Greece after the Balkan Wars.
Ottoman Conquest and Early Rule
The Ottoman conquest of Crete was a long and drawn-out affair. The Ottomans first captured the western part of the island in 1646, but it was not until 1669 that they finally took control of the capital Candia. The conquest was followed by a period of consolidation, during which the Ottomans sought to establish their authority over the island.
Rebellions and Uprisings
Ottoman rule in Crete was met with resistance from the local population. There were several rebellions and uprisings, most notably the Orlov Revolt of 1770 and the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The Greek War of Independence was particularly significant, as it led to a period of Egyptian control over Crete.
Egyptian Control
In 1821, the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II was forced to seek the aid of his rebellious vassal Muhammad Ali of Egypt to suppress the Greek uprising in Crete. Muhammad Ali sent an expedition to the island, and in 1825 his son Ibrahim landed in Crete and began to massacre the Greek community. Crete remained under Egyptian control until 1840, when it was restored to full Ottoman authority.
Autonomy and Union with Greece
After the Cretan Revolt of 1866-1869 and the Pact of Halepa in 1878, Crete was granted significant autonomy. However, Ottoman violations of the autonomy statutes and Cretan aspirations for union with Greece led to further unrest. The Cretan Revolt of 1897-1898 and the Greco-Turkish War of 1897 resulted in Crete becoming an autonomous state under international occupation in 1898. The island was finally united with Greece after the Balkan Wars.
