As previously advised, the University of Malta Gozo Campus has issued the 48th edition of The Gozo Observer, featuring a variety of insightful articles exploring Gozo’s rich history and culture.

The articles featured in this latest edition include:

An editorial by, Prof. Lino Briguglio, in which he highlights the challenges related to accessible and safe open public spaces in specific areas of Gozo, whilst Prof. Charles Savona-Ventura offers a historical account titled, ‘Medically-related Sculptures in Gozo,’ examining how sculptures served as a means of communication during the pre-modern era and earlier.

In his article, ‘Trachoma in Gozo,’ Dr. Mario Saliba discusses the impact of the disease and the medical treatments provided to patients in Gozo during the early 20th century. ‘The Attack on Gozo of 1551 and its Effects on the Gozo Population,’ is the second part of an article, posthumously adapted from Luca Curmi’s dissertation. It examines the economic impact during the aftermath of the 1551 Ottoman attack on Gozo.

Simon Salafia, in his article, ‘A Gozitan Documented in 12th Century Norman Sicily,’ reveals how, through his research, he uncovered evidence of a Gozitan living in Sicily in 1183. Dr Alfred Grech writes about, ‘The Identity of an Island Region,’ highlighting the distinct characteristics that contribute to the uniqueness of Gozo as an island region.

In his article, ‘What Makes Destination Gozo Different,’ Joe Muscat illustrates the distinct differences between Gozo and mainland Malta which reinforces Gozo’s status as a unique tourism destination, whilst Luca Gatt’s article assesses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply-chain of SMEs in Gozo.

While Charles Bezzina, in his article, reflects on the life of his personal friend, Gozitan poet Gorg Pisani, 25 years after his death.

A book review by Fr Geoffrey Attard discusses the book by Alfred Grech, ‘Tajr tal-Karti. Antologija ta’ Poezija,’ while another review, by Joseph Calleja, presents the book by George Azzopardi, ‘The Roman Municipia of Malta and Gozo. The Epigraphic Evidence.’ In the, ‘From our Readers’ section, Joseph Psaila contributes a poem dedicated to Victoria Hotspurs, entitled, ‘The Lost Leaders.’

As is customary, Joseph Calleja, Gozo Campus Administrator, provides an update on the various courses, events, and activities that have taken place at the Gozo Campus since the previous issue of the Gozo Observer.

This 48th edition of The Gozo Observer is distributed without charge, upon request, to interested readers. To download a copy, please click here .

Photo: Gozo Observer Front Cover Picture: San Dimitri Chapel – Courtesy of Peter Mohr

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