Latest Land Registry of Crete in Accordance with Right and Justice: Land Registry and Regulations of 1705 in the Island of Crete

Abstract

In the province of Crete, which joined to the Ottoman lands in a late period,the land registry was made twice in 1650 and 1670. From the beginning of the 18th century onwards, however, the issues the Empire faced, the economic problems on the island and the new regulations made the third land registry necessary in the island of Crete. The third land registry, which began in late 1704, was completed in January 1706. It is clear that this is the last land registry in Crete. The first of the three books in the Ankara Tapu Kadastro Archives is detailed land registry book of Candia and Sitia and the second one is detailed land registry book of Hania and Rethymno sanjaks. The third one is Book of Castle and Commanders of Fortress. With these arrangements, which we will date to 1705, the tax organization has been continued in some issues as it was in 1670 regulations, and in some cases, the 1650 regulations reapplied. The organization based on the principle that the land is the source of wealth and tributary land system, which allows large private ownership were continued. From the beginning of the 18th century onwards, it can be seen that the size of Tımar lands in the Ottoman Empire had shrunk significantly and they were transferred to the sultans. Indeed, this was the case in Crete too and many villages were registered as new imperial demesne. Last land registry of Crete is written in a religious style in accordance with the spirit of the period.