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

Religions

Victor Roudometof¹ 

[1]Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus

关键词: Orthodox Christianity;    Cyprus;    Kykkos;    economy;   

DOI  :  10.3390/rel1010054

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2010 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.