Mr Alexis Thouki

Alexis examines the phenomenon of heritagization of religious sites (the process in which pre-existing sites with alternative uses and values, acquire new functions and are venerated for different values) through the lens of Critical Realism. The primary focus of his research is a critical reflection of the production and consumption of ecclesiastical heritage, looking at how competing discourses and processes legitimise certain practices as opposed to others. The study explores the political, social, and cultural impact of international cultural tourism and world heritage designation on the management and interpretation of religious sites in Cyprus. However, he is equally interested in exploring how religious tourists define and practice what they understand as religious heritage and how they formulate responses towards the sociocultural change taking place at religious destinations.