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Rethymnon Timeline
Rethymno at the dawn of the 20th century
Crete is a semi-autonomous state, recognized as a Cretan state as early as 1897. The island is under the protection of the Great Powers and under Turkish suzerainty and is administered by the High Commissioner Prince George. Although the Turkish army has been withdrawn since 1898, the Great Powers have stationed troops on the Megalonisos to maintain order.
So also in Rethymnon, shortly before the end of the 19th century, the “Russian expeditionary force” was established, led by Theodore De Hiostac. The Russian presence in Rethymnon during the first years of the Cretan State not only kept the peace in the place, but significantly improved the appearance of the city, as well as its standard of living. A municipal hospital is built, which is also the most modern in Crete at this time, a charitable fund is established to support the needy, schools are built, old churches and buildings are repaired, roads are opened.
Remarkable works are also being done on the city’s waterfront with the construction of the waterfront and the dredging of the port. Large sailing ships and small ships can now approach the port of Rethymnon, increasing the commercial traffic in the city, contributing at the same time to the economic prosperity of the city. Financial prosperity will also bring spiritual prosperity. Thus, at the dawn of the 20th century Rethymnon is a modern city with streets, shops, beautiful public buildings and services, theaters and even a cinema. Many newspapers are published, unions are founded, including the first women’s clubs.
However, the apparently calm situation that prevailed in Crete during the first two years of the Cretan State will quickly be overturned. New rebellions will once again disturb the tranquility of the island, culminating in the Therisos movement.