Cyprus

Abstract

In1863 Cyprus was part of the Turkish vilayet of Djizair (’The Islands’). It was administered by a Governor assisted by a Central Council, called the Mejlis, and a number of District Councils. The Central Council was presided over by the Governor and consisted of 9 Turkish officials, the Archbishop and 3 Christian representatives. The District Councils were made up of official and unofficial members, the latter being elected by the people. Village communities had their own local authorities. The population probably numbered 160,000-165,000. The Greek inhabitants were responsible to their political and religious leader, the Ethnarch or Archbishop. Out of a total revenue of £230,000 only £30,000 was spent locally, and the surplus was sent to the treasury in Constantinople.