During the years of Ottoman rule in the Balkans, religion was an important part of people’s identity and everyday life. Social events surrounding birth, marriage and death as well as eating habits, mentalities and behaviours were all inextricably linked to religion and explain why churches in Metsovo played such a central role.
The Ottoman state allowed Christians and Jews to restore their churches and synagogues but forbade them from building new ones. Any restoration required a permit from the Ottoman authorities, issued both from the local civil judge (kadi) and from the central government in Istanbul.
In practice however, the Ottoman state proved to be quite pragmatic and flexible and often allowed the construction of new churches and synagogues, despite the official ban.
