1551 – The Siege that stifled Gozo, written by the historian Fr Joseph Bezzina, has been officially launched during an event at the Gozo Cathedral in the presence of Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri.

This is a book about one of the most interesting as well as tragic events in Gozo’s history – a book that will be an important and deserved contribution to the rich heritage of our island. 2021 marks the 470th anniversary of the Siege of Gozo.

A critical analysis was made during the evening by Mr. Joseph W. Psaila.

In 1551 the Ottoman force attacked Gozo following an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Malta, resulting in around 5,000 people, who formed the majority of the population of Gozo, being taken into slavery.

The siege ended in 1551 when the Gozitans had to capitulate and open the doors in the Citadel walls because they were no longer able to defend themselves and their families.

The people were taken captive, including the Knights and Governor de Sessa and were sailed to Tripoli. It was said that only a monk and 40 elderly Gozitans were spared by the Ottomans.

This was Gozo’s greatest tragedy, when many men, women and children, a lot of them unnamed, died either during the attack, or when they were taken into slavery.

1551 – The Siege that stifled Gozo, is a publication of the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo.

Photos: Terry Camilleri (MGOZ)

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