Allocation of religious space in cyprus

This paper evaluates the Republic of Cyprus' legal framework and the society's tolerance in regards to the allocation of religious space. What we argue is that with respect to the legal framework, the allocation of space for the building of places of worship is directly connected to the right of religious freedom, viewed as both a fundamental right and as an aspect of organisational religious freedom. Insofar as society's tolerance is concerned, this paper examines five different cases of religious space allocation. The case studies clearly indicate that the allocation of religious space, including the erection of places of worship, provoke criticism and occasionally strong public reactions. It is found that the reaction by organised groups has been more intense in recent years with respect to the erection of places of worship of the majority religion. Concerning the places of worship of minority religions, there are sufficient indications that the most intense forms of intolerance do not occur between majority and minority groups, but rather between the minority groups themselves.