The Haleppa Treaty

Signed in October 1878 and ratified by imperial decree, the Haleppa Treaty was a landmark in political, economic and intellectual developments on the island. The provisions of the pact improved the position of the Christian population and aimed to create a smoother running administration. In particular, Christians were to form the majority of the General Assembly, with 49 Christian deputies versus 31 Muslims. Furthermore, Greek was established as an official language in the courts. Special services aimed at encouraging economic activity were established, such as the property register and notaries' offices. For the first time ever, newspapers could be published and circulated on the island, and the right of associations and societies to pursue cultural activities was enshrined in law.