Economic Functions of Monasticism in Cyprus: The Case of the Kykkos Monastery

Journal Title: Religions - Year 2010, Vol 1, Issue 1

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive overview of the various economic activities performed by the Kykkos Monastery in Cyprus in its long history (11th–20th centuries). The article begins with a brief review of the early centuries of Cypriot monasticism and the foundation of the monastery in the 11th century. Then, the analysis focuses on the economic activities performed during the period of the Ottoman rule (1571–1878). Using primary sources from the monastery’s archives, this section offers an overview of the various types of monastic land holdings in the Ottoman era and the strategies used to purchase them. Using 19th century primary sources, it further presents a detailed account of the multifaceted involvement and illustrates the prominent role of the monastery in the island’s economic life (land ownership, stockbreeding activities, lending of money, etc.). Next, it examines the changes in monastic possessions caused by the legislation enacted by the post-1878 British colonial administration. The legislation caused the loss of extensive land holdings and was the subject of extensive controversy.

Authors and Affiliations

Victor Roudometof and Michalis N. Michael

Keywords

Related Articles

Spiritual Distress in Bereavement: Evolution of a Research Program

Many mourners turn to their spiritual beliefs and traditions when confronted by the death of a loved one. However, prior studies have either focused primarily on the benefits of faith following loss or studied spiritua...

Twentieth-Century Jewish Émigrés and Medieval European Economic History

This essay discusses the intellectual contributions of five Jewish émigrés to the study of European economic history. In the midst of the war years, these intellectuals reconceptualized premodern European economic hist...

Deposito Diademate: Augustine’s Emperors

To assist colleagues from other disciplines who teach Augustine’s texts in their core courses, this contribution to the Lilly Colloquium discusses Augustine’s assessments of Emperors Constantine and Theodosius. His pre...

Religious Commitment, Subjective Income, and Satisfaction towards the Functioning of Democracy in Latin America. A Mediation Analysis Model Based on Latinobarómetro

Religion and politics in Latin America maintain a close relation that, along with a historical background in European colonization, remains in force through both being institutionalized in some political parties or ide...

Economic Inequality: An Ethical Response

This essay will inquire into the nature of economic inequality from the perspectives of Catholic social teaching and that of a theologian living and working in a developing country. My initial comments will discuss ine...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP25178
  • DOI -
  • Views 519
  • Downloads 24

How To Cite

Victor Roudometof and Michalis N. Michael (2010). Economic Functions of Monasticism in Cyprus: The Case of the Kykkos Monastery. Religions, 1(1), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-25178