Governorship of Cyprus (1861-1878)

This thesis titled Governorship of Cyprus (1861-1878) deals with the last period of Cyprus under Ottoman rule in terms of administrative and economic aspects. The study starts with 1861, when Cyprus was made an independent governorate directly affiliated with the central government, and extends until 1878, when England eventually took over the administration of the island. The study consists of three main chapters. In the first chapter, in which the administrative structure of Cyprus is discussed, it is questioned how the administrative transformation that began with the Tanzimat Period was built in Cyprus as a provincial administrative unit. The transition process of Cyprus from the provincial regime to the provincial system is examined, and the time span of the study allows for comparisons to be made between these two periods. The emergence of the decentralization approach has been witnessed in Cyprus. Additionally, the fact that mutasarrıfs were the most authorized civil authorities in sanjaks/livas, as a result of the centralist understanding, and the structures and functions of the councils that established under their shade are evaluated. The impact of the frequent replacement of Cyprus mutasarrıfs, as the most authorized civil officers, sometimes within short periods like six months, on the administration of the island and the functioning of reforms is investigated. In the second chapter, in which the economic structure of Cyprus is discussed, the fundamental production dynamics of the island are determined. The issue of agricultural production, which forms the basis of the Cypriot economy, is discussed and an attempt is made to reveal how production was affected by the island's unique problems such as drought and locust infestations. Besides, the effects of the internal and external events of the 19th century on the economic activities of Cyprus are emphasized. The cultivation and trade of American cotton on the island as a result of Ottoman-British cooperation opened the doors for Cyprus to enter the capitalist world economy naturally. The integration of Cyprus to the capitalist world economy, its effects and consequences are investigated. It is noticed that Cypriot farmers tended to cultivate products that bring money in the world market. In the third chapter of the study, the tax system of the island is discussed, it is tried to understand how the tax system operated in Cyprus, and the collected taxes and their amounts were revealed. The negative consequences of the early census in Cyprus were evaluated, its effects on the community and the resulting abuses are discussed.