“The Organic Act”

On 8^th January 1868 the new administrative system for Crete, known as the "Organic Act", was ratified by imperial decree. The island henceforth became a Vilayet administered by a Vali (Governor General) appointed by the Sultan. Internally, it was divided into the five districts of Chania, Sphakia, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lassithi. Provisions were also made for the appointment of Christians in the bureaucracy, and their participation in the constitution of courts. The Greek language was accorded equal status with Turkish and tax concessions were implemented.