From the Turkish Occupation to Autonomy (1669-1897)

The domination of the Turks over the inhabitants of Rethymno (1669-1898) as well as over the rest of Crete, brought many important changes not only in the administrative, economic and population areas, but also in the intellectual and every-day life of the people. By that time the island of Crete was considered large enough to initially be divided into three regions, that of Chandakas, of Rethymno and of Chania, to which that of Lassithi was added later. None of these regions were governed by a Pasha. The image of the town changed radically. The conquerors installed themselves in the Venetian mansions, which they decorated with their own architectural elements. At the same time they started building mosques and minarets, which further emphasised their presence. The so-called "sachnisia", wooden balconies projecting from the façade of the buildings, suddenly appeared in the former Venetian alleys and network of streets, thus giving the city a new character - that of a Moslem town. Many churches were destroyed; others were turned into mosques. As could be expected, these acts led to an intellectual decline. The period of the "Cretan Renaissance" with its flourishing literature and fine arts belonged to the past. Christians were slaughtered and their properties plundered, which resulted in a series of uprisings and revolutions started by the Cretans, among which the most important took place in 1821 in the framework of the general uprising of the Greek people against the Turkish subjugators.
However, the Cretans did not succeed in obtaining their freedom in the revolution of 1821. Instead the island was assigned to the Egyptian Vice-Roy Mechmet Ali (1830-1841), a fact, which gave only small relief for the Christian inhabitants of the island, who continued to fight for their freedom. Over the years their continuous struggles showed a few results with regard to privileges concerning the freedom of religion and the right of holding property. However, the Cretans were not satisfied unless they were completely liberated and united with the Greek mainland. A crucial battle was fought during the Great Cretan Revolution, which lasted for three years, from 1866 to 1869, and during which the holocaust of the Arkadi Monastery took place. Even after this shattering event and their crucial battle for freedom, the Cretans continued to be dominated by the Turks with no change to their situation. Therefore, another revolution followed, that of 1878, and as a result of this one they achieved several religious and political privileges, the most important of them being that a Cretan was allowed to be the General Governor of Crete. However, this did not mean that the situation improved henceforth. On the contrary, from 1890 to 1895 the Turks showed an even more merciless attitude towards the locals, which resulted in the revolution of 1897, and due to this revolution the Cretans finally secured their autonomy.

Autonomy - Union - Modern Times

The year 1897 was the last year of the Turkish occupation of Crete. In 1898 Russian soldiers took up position on the island and on 9 December Prince Georgios arrived at Chania taking office as High Commissioner. During the same year preparations began to organise Crete as an autonomous state with its own constitution and government. This period of autonomy had positive effects on all levels, mainly however on the economic and intellectual life of Rethymno. A large number of works on infrastructure were carried out, including the construction of luxurious private and public buildings, while at the same time intellectual activities could be observed such as the creation of cinemas and theatres. This creative development continued up until 1 December 1913, when Crete was united with the mainland of Greece. Whilst everything had been proceeding satisfactorily up until then, the union with Greece, which at that time was facing many problems, reversed the creative development of both the town of Rethymno and the entire Island of Crete. Only as late as 1924, after the War of Asia Minor had ended, would the situation improve. The remaining Turkish-Cretan population left the island, while Greek refugees from Asia Minor established themselves on Crete. Their culture and creative spirit was to enrich Rethymno and to provide impetus to a new economic and intellectual prosperity. World War II was probably the most important reason for regression and decline on all levels. The invasion by German parachute commandos and the bombing of the town of Rethymno in May 1941 were only the beginning of a series of battles with a large number of casualties, during which civilians, filled with the euphoria of courage and patriotism, taught the conquerors a lesson. However, the Germans triumphed over Crete and settled down in Rethymno, where they took control of the life, the administration and the economy of the town.
The intolerable living conditions as well as the oppression of the conquerors during the period from 1941 to 1944 created a strong resistance movement including Rethymno, with activities in many places of the prefecture. Following the German occupation a period of poverty and misery began, which lasted up until the decade of the 60's. The installation of electricity also meant a first spark of hope for better days for the people. Since 1960 the town of Rethymno has been following a steady course of development. The expansion of tourism, which started towards the end of the 60's and the first years of the 70's, contributed enormously to this development.

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