Religion in Cyprus

Religion in Cyprus is connected with history, community identity and daily culture. Orthodox Christianity is prominent among Greek Cypriots, while Islam has a central historical place among Turkish Cypriots. The Church of Cyprus is an autocephalous Orthodox church, meaning that it governs its own internal church affairs. Parishes, monasteries, icons, saints’ days and major feasts are visible parts of Greek Cypriot cultural life. Muslim life includes mosques, prayer, fasting, festivals and family customs. Levels of observance vary, and Turkish Cypriot identity should not be treated as proof of a particular degree of religious practice. Maronite, Armenian Apostolic and Latin Catholic communities have deep roots on the island. Other Christian groups, Jews, people of additional faiths and people without religion also form part of Cyprus today. Religion often accompanies birth, naming, marriage, death and remembrance. A civil option or a less religious family practice may also be chosen, depending on the event and the people involved. Religious calendars influence public and family life. Easter is especially significant in Orthodox communities, while Ramadan and the Islamic festivals that follow important periods of worship matter to Muslims. Churches, monasteries, mosques, cemeteries and shrines may be both heritage sites and active sacred spaces. Visitors should follow clothing, photography, access and behaviour rules given at each place. Religion can unite communities but can also be tied to painful political history. Ask people how they identify, avoid broad assumptions and distinguish faith, ethnicity, language and citizenship.