Momentous fall of Candia subject of Crete exhibition

The fall of the Venetian port of Candia - the modern-day city of Iraklio - to the Ottomans in September 1669 was an event of such geopolitical and cultural significance that its impact was felt well beyond Crete, stretching across the Western world and to the east.

The siege of the city is the subject of an exhibition of historical artifacts and other material organized by the Municipality of Iraklio at its wonderful Vikelaia Library, which will remain on display through December 20. A conference on the subject was also held this past weekend.

Titled "Cretan War 1645-1669," the exhibition aims to provide fresh insight into the both the event itself and life in the city during that period, but also to help educate the public about a chapter of history whose impact is little understood.

Coming after a 23-year siege, the fall of Candia to the Ottomans upset the...