ABSTRACT
While the presence of refugees is one of the hallmarks of con-
temporary society, refugee flows date back to pre-modern times. In
fact, human history is replete with stories of forced migration and
exodus, and the importance of sanctuary and the obligation to protect
the persecuted are part of all great religious traditions and texts.
Throughout early history across Europe and the Middle East, sites of
worship were recognized as places of sanctuary and protection, offer-
ing refuge to people fleeing wars, political upheavals, and religious strife in near and distant lands.
