The 2^nd Turkish period begins with the reclamation of Crete by the Turks. In the mid-19^th century, the city of Chania is declared the capital of the island, because of the frequent revolutions in the region of western Crete. This fact greatly influenced the development of the city, mainly with the predominance of more tolerant policy, along with an economic flourishment. New public and private buildings were constructed, following the modern neoclassic styles of architecture, and the city gradually acquired a European character and was extended outside the city walls. New temples were built, such as the Cathedral temple of "Trimartyri", as well as new Municipal Departments, schools, ect.

In 1841, the mobilization of Hairetis begins, followed by the mobilization of Mavrogenis in 1859. With the latter mobilization, the Cretans achieved to carry guns freely, to practice their religion and to establish a Christian committee, which was responsible for the supervision of education issues, social welfare, hereditary and family rights. The 1877 - 1878 revolution followed, which resulted in the famous "Halepa" Agreement. According to the Agreement, Crete was detached from the Ottoman Empire and acquired certain special rights, such as the right to establish educational associations and to publish newspapers, while the island was still commanded by the General Cretan Administration. The people of Chania then founded the educational association "Minos" (1879) and the agricultural association "Demeter". In 1880, the theatrical company "Efterpi" was founded and its members were famous citizens of Chania, such as Elefterios Venizelos. In the same period, numerous (Greek and Turkish) newspapers were published in Chania.

In 1889, however, Turkey started repressing the rights of the Cretan people and the 1889 revolution followed as a reaction. In 1896, the city of Chania witnessed a great slaughter of its people, and yet another one in 1897, when the Municipal Departments were burned down.

The Great Powers, who were always interested in Crete due to its strategic geographical position, decided the international occupation of the island, while Greece sent an army of 1500 men in solidarity.