Gozo – The Beauty, History and Culture of an Island, with a narrative by historian Joseph Bezzina and beautifully illustrated with photos by Daniel Cilia, has been launched by the Minister for Gozo Dr Justyne Caruana.
Dr Caruana said that the book was published on the initiative of the Ministry for Gozo in order to promote this publication as a showcase for Gozo, as a gift to all the distinguished guests who visit the island, to show the beauty, history, and culture of our island.
The author, Rev. Dr Joseph Bezzina, explained how the book is divided into seven chapters: general information on Gozo and Comino; tracing seven thousand years of history; its people, language, and the preferred food of Gozo, ten legends from Gozo, information on the Citadel, Victoria, villages and island events; patron feasts; and finally, the celebrations that the Ministry for Gozo organises on a regional scale.
Dr Bezzina explained that although references have not been included in a book of this kind, everything is based on written documents scanned at the National Archives which he manages, as well as other archives. Even the section about the food in Gozo is based on archival research, he said.
He added that the archives are a major treasure of Gozo, as it is through research that one learns best about our history and our identity.
The photographer Daniel Cilia said that although he loves Gozo and despite the fact that he has repeatedly documented with his pictures the subjects of this book, he still managed to find enough original subjects to be able to create a new book such as this.
Minister Justyne Caruana emphasised the importance of Gozo’s culture and history, both as a tourist product and even more for our identity and national patrimony.
Dr Caruana announced that the Ministry has taken the initiative to publish this book specifically for children, so that from a young age they become aware of Gozo’s cultural patrimony, creating in them a sense of appreciation for the historical and cultural heritage of Gozo.
Gozo – The Beauty, History and Culture of an Island, is on sale at all leading booksellers.
Photographs: MGOZ/Terry Camilleri
1 Comment To "Gozo – The Beauty, History and Culture of an Island – Book launch"
#1 Comment By Lino DeBono On August 10, 2019 @ 10:06 am
An excellent initiative in promoting Gozo. The Hon Minister of Gozo is persisting in bringing to attention Gozo’s beauty, History & Culture. Mr Daniel Cilia has provided so much excellent & beautiful photos which even Gozitans themselves, few do realise what we really possess.
Fr. Profs Bezzina presented and wrote historical & real events about Gozo which are so innovative to many.
People are known through their historical events both past & present. Therefore this Book presented by Minister Caruana is another Jewel of information & knowledge.
Finally I have to add the valid contribution of “Eco” Gozo Departmental Section through Ms Vicky Xuereb & Mr Joseph Cutajar who work so diligently behind the seances..
Well done to all.