II. After completing the conquest of Cyprus, Selim immediately erased the traces of the violent repression during the Venetians; He abolished the feudal system, which means land-bound bondage, and granted full religious freedom to local non-Muslims.

After the island was turned into a province of Cyprus and Tarsus, Alaiye and İçel were attached to it, according to a census made during the time of the first Ottoman governor, the following edict, dated 23 Zilhijja 979/1572, sent for the establishment of rights and justice among the people of Cyprus with a male population of 120,000, It is a shining golden page in history in terms of Cyprus relations.

Simplified Form of the Edict

"The governor of Cyprus, the judge and the treasurer; the island of Cyprus is a country conquered by my lord. Since it was newly conquered, the population has become partly weak. It is necessary to act with justice without oppressing the inhabitants of the island and without violating their rights; whether in the application of the Shari'a provisions, that is, in the collection of Islamic law, or in the collection of treasury revenues. It is one of the most important services to try to strengthen the island and to make the island prosperous as it used to be, by showing utmost care and following the way of protecting the islanders by exempting them from customary and religious taxes.

For this reason, I have said that each of you should pay maximum attention and not allow persecution and violation of rights.

We cannot avoid situations that can cause discord and revolution to the people by acting with justice and gradualism, both in the execution of the provisions of Islamic law, in the collection of tax revenues from the treasury and in the performance of state services.

In the days of my reign, which should have been full of justice, every member of the population would continue to work and profit with a pleasant and peaceful heart, and their old state would be preserved as they were. it is my best wish.

You are not paying due attention to this matter. We cannot make good efforts to make the island happy and prosperous in every respect.

You don't have to spend a minute doing your part. That is to say, there is no possibility that your cruelty and cruelty will be accepted by me, as I hear that the people are disturbed by oppression and violation of their rights, burdened with taxes above their power, and acts that will cause discord and revolution among them. According to the moment, you cannot act negligently.