The society of Hydra, acquired fabulous wealth, which according to tradition, was accumulated in the cisterns of the island mansions. This prosperity was further strengthened in 1778 when the sultan Abdul Hamit, ceded by special decree, the privilege of self-government as a token of recognition for the services offered by the Hydrian Fleet of 32 ships, which fought with the Ottomans for Crimea.

Since then it is known that there was a total absence of the Turks in Hydra. The community collected taxes itself and handed them over to the Turkish tax collector who was allowed only a limited amount of time on the island and was not permitted to enter the centre of the town. In return the community of Hydra was obliged to send, every semester, a certain number of sailors (Melahides) who offered their experience to the Ottoman fleet. The community of Hydra also had to contribute to the sailor’s salaries.

This spirit of independence cultivated the ground for Hydra’s colossal contribution during the Greek National Independence War.