Appropriation of Church Buildings in Northern Cyprus

ABSTRACT The appropriation of places of worship by communities associated with different religions has been a common practice throughout history, although the aims of and processes for such appropriations may vary. In some cases, it can be interpreted as a cultural conquest. Alternatively, it can be a convenient adaptation to provide a place for prayer while maintaining the sanctity of the place. The process of appropriation provides an understanding of cultures and their change over time. Given the changing dynamics of long, on-going conflicts in Cyprus, this article aims to trace the relationship between heritage and contemporary cultural dynamics by examining the process of the appropriation of church buildings in northern Cyprus before and after the conflict that resulted in the division of the island in 1974.