C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
PAGE06NEW.pdf
1
25/04/2014
13:20
3600 BC
750 BC
The Temple Builders Die Tempelbauer Les constructeurs des temples I costruttori di Templi
218 BC The Romans Römer Les Romains I Romani
The Phoenicians Die Phönizier Les Phéniciens I Fenici
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
MILESTONES MEILENSTEINE ÉTAPE IMPORTANTE PIETRA MILIARE
*
60 AD
870 AD
Christianity Christentum Le Christianisme Il Cristianesimo
1090 AD
The Arabs Die Araber Les Arabes Gli Arabi
The Norman Conquest Die normannische Eroberung La conquête normande La Conquista normanna
*
*
1565 AD
1530 AD
1798 AD
The Great Siege Die Große Belagerung Le Grand Siège Il Grande Assedio
The Knights of St. John Die Johanniterritter Les Chevaliers de St. Jean I Cavalieri di San Giovanni
1800 AD
1974 AD
Republic Republik La république La Repubblica
* Image:Heritage Malta • Bild: Heritage Malta • Image:Heritage Malta • Foto:Heritage Malta
The French period Die französische Periode La période française Il periodo francese
*
*
Arrival of the British Ankunft der Briten L’arrivée des anglais L’arrivo degli inglesi
*
*
1940 AD
World War II Zweiter Weltkrieg La deuxième guerre mondiale La Seconda Guerra Mondiale
2004 AD
EU Accession EU-Mitgliedschaft L’accès à l’UE L’accesso all’UE
1964 AD
Independence Unabhängigkeit L’indépendance L’Indipendenza
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Siege Maps: Keeping Memory Safe Time is of the essence, especially when news needs to travel at lightning speed. For updates on developments of the Great Siege of 1565 to reach mainland Christian Europe as fast as possible, the onus was on the efficient circulation and production of countless maps that, back in 1565, were the only visual source of news. Supported by short inscriptions, included to provide further explanation, these Great Siege Maps recorded enemy and defender movements, positions and strategies on land and at sea. Assaults, skirmishes, artillery, smoke, fire and all that typically goes with the heat of battle are part and parcel of these maps. Most importantly however was that the information garnered had to be easily understood – in terms of place (where), action (what and how) and time (when). Four maps of the Great Siege produced in Venice by the Italian publisher, book and map dealer, Giovanni Francesco Camocio, are on show at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. Three of these maps belong to the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta (Heritage Malta), specifically from the Albert Ganado Malta Map Collection and the Count Messina Bequest. The fourth map, whose facsimile is on display, has its original in the Map Collection of the Faculty of Science at the Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Printed by means of the ‘intaglio’ (engraving) technique, these maps form one series. What connects them is the single copper plate from which they were each issued. Similarities between the map images are evident but differences also come to light when seen side by side, as the visitor to the exhibition would have the opportunity to do so. Viewing them is virtually comparable to a ‘spot-the-difference’ experience. As these four maps by Camocio were engraved from one and the same copper plate, they technically qualify as states. As a four-map series, this collection therefore constitutes four states, each one distinguished from the next by means of the crucial differences that reflect the pieces of updated news about the way the Great Siege was unfolding. These visual differences were made by means of changes made to the image engraved in the copper plate, either in the form of removal or addition of details. This required the engraver to literally scratch off what was obsolete and, where relevant, to incise new contours into the plate in order to introduce fresh information. For instance, the pontoon-bridge, that was set up between the cities of Senglea and Birgu, makes its first appearance in the second state but was absent in the first. The various Turkish camps and troops that dominated the first, second and third states completely disappear from the fourth and last state which is dedicated to the evacuation of the Ottoman Turks, and therefore the sure end of the Great Siege. These are but few of the numerous examples that testify to the immensely important role these maps once played as visual bulletins.
12 l 13 Of equal interest is the human presence in these maps. Apart from those intensely engaged in battle, there are tiny figures, mainly Ottoman Turks, eating, marching, burying their dead, and suffering injuries or ailments. When poring over the fourth map-state, we cannot help becoming inquisitive about the many activities going on. Much of the occupied territory has been cleared out and is now dominated by the mass of Ottoman Turks retreating frantically, some even hurling themselves into the water, others struggling to drag very heavy cannon and armaments, and soldiers in close combat, indeed violent as the dismembered corpses testify. Such human presence injects life into these visual news updates on the Great Siege. When bearing in mind the time-consuming and laborious method of ‘intaglio’ printing, it is only with incredulity that we nowadays regard these Siege maps because of the rapidity of execution, production and circulation with which they materialised and came to be of use. Maps of the Great Siege during and after its span were churned out nineteen to the dozen making this 16th-century event probably the most represented cartographically. This is the first exhibition of the ‘Espresso Exhibition Series’ launched by Heritage Malta. Just like savouring an espresso, which is a short but intense experience to the palate, these exhibitions are small in content but very specialized. The aim of these exhibitions is to cast a spotlight on select works from any of the collections within the museums and sites of Heritage Malta and to highlight intriguing aspects pertaining to them. In fact, in the case of the exhibition currently on show, the role of these Great Siege Maps as guardians of memory was the main facet chosen for this display. Bearing in mind that these maps are just over 450 years old, their original journalistic purpose has long been superseded. The political and historical context in which they were made and for which they were conceived belongs to an age now defunct. So it is indeed astonishing that these four Great Siege Maps have outlasted the ravages of time and change, and can still be enjoyed today. What we have inherited through these cartographic survivors is tangible evidence of a distant past. Part of our cultural heritage, these maps are now holders of a collective memory of a place no longer topographically recognisable, of power struggles that gave Europe and the Mediterranean the political shape it had in the 16th century, of military strategy dependent on the technology available in 1565 and of the now outdated means of communication and travel. Therefore the onerous responsibility of safeguarding these cartographic treasures is tantamount to protecting collective memory. Giving them as much visibility as possible, such as by means of this exhibition, is one very effective way. Encouraging interest in these maps is another way as the profound and extensive studies by the international authority on Maltese cartography, Dr Albert Ganado, have in fact brought to light their significance. To ensure that they do not fall into oblivion, Heritage Malta and the Charles University in Prague have joined hands to submit a nomination form for this Great Siege Map series by Giovanni Francesco Camocio to be entered into UNESCO’s International Memory of the World Register. This initiative kicked off in 2014 when the Books & Paper Conservator, Mr Joseph Schiro’, discovered the State 2 map at the above-mentioned map collection in Prague. The outcome of the joint-application tendered to UNESCO will be announced in June 2017. The “Siege Maps: Keeping Memory Safe” exhibition shows how these four maps silently narrate a turbulent chapter from Malta’s voluminous story. More importantly, its objective is to unlock the memory they preserve of a bygone age. This exhibition is a Heritage Malta initiative that materialised thanks to collaboration with the Malta Map Society and the Faculty of Science at the Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, the assistance of the Permanent Delegation of Malta to UNESCO and the support of the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Councils. The exhibition is free of charge and open from 09:00 to 16:30 till 22nd May 2016 at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. A concertina leaflet on this exhibition is on sale at €2.00 (folded version) and at €5.00 (unfolded version).
Images: Giovanni Francesco Camocio, Maps of the Great Siege of 1565. © Heritage Malta.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
16 l 17
The Ministry for Tourism and the Ministry for Gozo, together with the Malta Tourism Authority will be organising the 15th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival. This year`s Festival will be held on three consecutive Saturdays, that is, on April 16, April 23 and April 30. On each of the first two evenings there will be three pyrotechnic companies vying for the first prize. The winner shall be announced on the final night of the festival that will be held in the Grand Harbour. The festival will come to an end by a grand display of fireworks that shall light up the creeks around Fort St Angelo. This extended display is the artistic creation of two different companies, Pyroemotions of Rimini, Italy and the Lourdes Fireworks Factory of Qrendi, Malta. The latter company is the winner of last year’s edition. The Festival has become a landmark event in Malta’s calendar. This year’s Festival will again prove to be a varied one as each company shall be presenting its own style of pyrotechnic artisan work. The programme is scheduled as follows: Saturday 16th April 2016 - MARSAXLOKK Pyro Musical Competition I. night 21.30 Pirotecnica Poleggi, Canepina - Italy 22.00 Hojen & Magic Fyrvaerkeri Aps, Billund - Denmark 22.30 St George’s Fireworks Factory – Qormi, Malta Saturday 23rd April 2016 – Xag˙ra, Gozo Pyro Musical Competition II. night 21.30 Dance of Fire Ltd, Dnepropetrovsk - Ukraine 22.00 Macedo’s Pirotecnia, Santao Lixa - Portugal 22.30 St Mary Fireworks Factory – G˙axaq, Malta Saturday 30th April 2015 – VALLETTA 21.30 Presentation of Prizes to winning team 22.00 Grand finale by Pyroemotions of Rimini - Italy and Lourdes Fireworks Factory, Qrendi, Malta. For further information please visit: http://www.maltafireworksfestival.com/; Phone: 22915440 / 1/ 2.
18 l 19
Medieval Mdina 2016 23rd & 24th April
For the eighth consecutive year the old capital city of Malta will be organizing Medieval Mdina. The streets of Mdina shall be hosting a variety of attractions which will bring back to life the 'Silent City'. During this two-day long event there will be re-enactments by foreign and local groups, Medieval Music, Sbandieratori, Falconry, Lectures, food and drinks, Medieval Market, Medieval Kitchen and children's area. The popularity of this Festival is evident from the increases in the number of visitors over the past years. The requests from a good number of foreigners and Travel Agents prove that this festival is now popular as well with foreign enthusiasts. During the Festival the participants will be performing all day long in various corners and squares of Mdina. Including battles, skirmishes, re-enactments of scenes from the Medieval Period, like the Town Crier, a Slave Market, a re-enactment of a Medieval Kitchen, Sword Fighting, Archery, Medieval Tavern, Magic Shows, Live Music, Birds of Prey flights, Parades, Flag Throwing shows, and spontaneous re-enactments. The festival serves as well as a cultural exchange between local talents and foreign groups, disseminating the cultural heritage of the Medieval Times. It is as well a good educational exercise to teach both children and adults the history of our City. During the festival all the Tourist Attractions extend their opening hours and offer special reduced admission prices. Food and drinks will not be missing in the Festival and a good number of outlets offer medieval food in their menus during these days. The Festival is above all 2 days of mighty fun for everyone.
COMMEMORATION OF THE AWARD OF THE GEORGE CROSS Friday April 15, 2016 “To honour the brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history" The proclamation was issued by King George VI, on 15 April, 1942, to honour the people of Malta for their bravery and tenacity against the most harrowing bombardments during World War II. The George Cross medal was brought over to Malta by Lord Viscount Gort, VC., who took governorship of the Islands from the outgoing Governor Dobbie in April. Because this was a very dangerous phase of the war, the actual bestowment ceremony was postponed to a later date and eventually was held on 13th September, 1942. Chief Justice George Borg received the medal on behalf of the Maltese people. The Malta Tourism Authority will be commemorating this event on Friday, April 15, 2016, inside the very same Square where the ceremony was held 74 years ago. The programme will start at 19.45 hrs with a marching display by the military band of the Armed Forces of Malta, when the contingent escorts the George Cross medal to the Palace of the President. Also participating in the ceremony will be the Malta Police band together with a Police Guard of Honour and military re-enactment groups. The dark episodes of Malta during World War II will be screened in a 30 minute feature to which a son-et-lumiere spectacle will be synchronised. This is followed by a short wreath-laying ceremony at the foot of the GC podium. The re-enactment of the bestowment of the George Cross medal will conclude the programme. Admission to the event is free. To be allowed entrance it is necessary to book seats in advance. Venue : St George's Square – Valletta Seating: 19.30 Event starts: 19.45 - Programme finishes at 21.00hrs. For further information please call : +356 22915440/1 Email : info@visitmalta.com
PAGE21 28/3/16 09:31 Page 1 C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
LIVING IN MALTA & GOZO A PLACE IN THE SUN Malta and Gozo are becoming increasingly popular locations for the purchase or rental of second homes. Situated at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with easy access from all major cities in Europe, North Africa and neighbouring states, the Islands have many advantages to offer, including the following:
WHY MALTA • An excellent climate with pleasant all year round weather. • Genuinely friendly and hospitable people who will make it easy to integrate within the local community. • Very low levels of crime which make Malta one of the safest places in the region. • A member of the European Union since 2004, Malta is an independent republic enjoying political stability. • English is one of the two official languages of the Islands and is spoken fluently by everyone. • The Island boasts a high standard of hospital and medical services, both private and public. • Excellent schooling, often exceeding international standards, with a choice of English-speaking schools and University. • A relatively low cost of living. • A stable property market offering a wide variety of properties in all price ranges, and good prospects for capital growth. These, together with an abundance of historical and cultural attractions, crystal clear seas, a variety of sporting facilities (including world class diving) and a lively calendar of events, make these Islands a favourite for those seeking their dream ‘Place in the Sun'. Moreover, the residency conditions are very attractive and include a favourable tax regime and the absence of Rates or Council taxes.
FLYING TIMES Malta – London 3.05hrs Malta – Frankfurt 2.35hrs Malta – Rome 1.15hrs
Malta – Amsterdam 3.05hrs Malta – Paris 2.35hrs Malta – Cairo 2.25hrs
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY BY NON-MALTESE BUYERS It is quite easy for a non-Maltese to purchase property in Malta and Gozo. Naturally, some conditions apply including certain restrictions regarding the minimum value of property that can be purchased and the use that the buyer will make of the property. Some buyers may also require a special permit.
MORE INFORMATION For further information and assistance, we recommend that you contact one of the excellent local Estate Agents who can offer professional guidance and advice to help you make the best choice.
If you are an expatriate living in Malta or Gozo...
you may regularly receive a link to the online version of this monthly magazine in your email. Simply e-mail us on: info@impactpr.com.mt
22 l 23
Yoga Can Be The Answer To Your Wellbeing
YOGA teaches that the best way to health is to prevent disease. Yoga compliments Wellness Coaching because both disciplines draw from the ability of the body to heal. The benefits of a yoga practice are many. Health and wellbeing are not just limited to the body’s physical capacity but also work on the mind and the spirit. A properly-constructed yoga practice helps the body heal by creating space for the healing process to happen. Physical postures help align the body, breathing exercises calm the heart, and moments of serenity soothe the spirit. Through yoga the physical body becomes stronger, more supple and flexible. You feel good and look good as your practice lends the muscles a longer and leaner look. Posture improves as your core muscles are challenged and reinforced through asana (poses). The increased flexibility of the body developed through yoga helps to preserve good posture. Pranayama (breathwork) energizes the body. The lungs are strengthened and the heart rested. Most people seek yoga for its relaxation benefits. The relaxation techniques used during yoga lessen chronic pain, reduce insomnia and help lower blood pressure when complimented with a healthy and wholesome lifestyle. Making space for yoga could be the missing link to a long and happy life. For more information contact me on: 27432499 / 99846603 / macroyoga@gmail.com or via www.yourhealthybalance.net
Shirley Cauchi (Bhuvaneshwari) is a Wellness Coach with an interest in Macrobiotics and Yoga. She is also a Healing Massage & Holistic Beauty Therapist operating from her ‘Healing Space’ in Mqabba.
i
24 l 25
PAGE20.pdf
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
1
15/10/2015
16:29
26 l 27
VOCAL POWERHOUSE JESS GLYNNE CONFIRMED TO PERFORM AT ISLE OF MTV MALTA 10th ANNIVERSARY Grammy award winner set to make Malta debut on Tuesday 28th June 2016 “I am super excited to be coming to Malta for the 10th anniversary of Isle of MTV. Can't wait to celebrate with you all" Jess Glynne In February it was revealed that the British singer-songwriter and Grammy award winner JESS GLYNNE will be the first act to take the stage for the 10th anniversary celebrations of summer music festival Isle of MTV Malta. The free live music event will return to Malta's largest open-air venue, Il-Fosos in Floriana for the 10th year running on Tuesday 28th June 2016, in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority. Jess Glynne commented: “I am super excited to be coming to Malta for the 10th anniversary of Isle of MTV. Can't wait to celebrate with you all" Jess Glynne shot to international stardom in 2014 after exploding on to the UK Chart’s with five number one singles including ‘Hold My Hand’, a dance anthem collaboration with electro-classical group Clean Bandit on ‘Rather Be’ (winner of ‘Best Dance’ at the 2015 Grammy Awards) and a soulful-house feature on Route 94’s ‘My Love’. Her debut album titled ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ entered the UK album charts at number 1 in August 2015 and has gone double platinum in the UK and she’s set to take her music around the globe in 2016, touring in the US and Europe. Thanks to Glynne’s unmatchable vocals, her rapidly acquired portfolio of smash hits continues to excite fans around the world, with 2014 summer smash ‘Rather Be’ attracting more than 380 million hits on YouTube alone, whilst becoming a top-ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. Bruce Gillmer, EVP, Music, Talent Programming and Events, MTV, commented: “Jess had an incredibly successful 2015, with multiple hits and so many awesome performances. She absolutely lit up the MTV EMA stage in Milan. We’re beyond excited to have her in Malta this year as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Isle of MTV.” Isle of MTV Malta will be filmed and edited into a 60-minute special that will broadcast across 20 MTV channels throughout Europe. The show will also be supported across all MTV social media platforms as well as via a bespoke website. As part of an extensive integrated marketing campaign, the Isle of MTV Malta Special concert will be supported by marketing initiatives, all of which will drive awareness of the event as well as leverage MTV’s world renowned brand and unique youth insight, to further cement and promote Malta’s position as a holiday destination for young people. Over the nine years that Isle of MTV has been held in Malta, the number of visitors to the island under the age of 24 has increased by 120% and now account for 20% of all tourists. More talent will be announced in the following weeks. MALTA & GOZO DAY BY DAY will also give updates of this year's edition of the Isle of MTV Malta in the coming issues as well as on www.maltaandgozo.com. For more information go to www.isleofmtv.com
28 l 29
Now Is The Time To Say Thank You! Be part of the Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Awards 2016 by nominating that person who helped make your visit special. Every year hundreds of tourism employees are nominated by tourists for their ‘heart of gold’, ‘service with a smile’, knowledge and professionalism. STAR Awards applications are available at most hotels and tourist information centers around Malta and Gozo. Smart phone users can send their nominations by scanning the QR code on the brochure. Nominations can also be submitted online from star-awards.visitmalta.com
Congratulations to the winners of the 11th Star Awards edition: Paulina Kurowska – Diving Instructor, Paradise Diving Centre; Anthony Fenech – Coach Driver, Zarb Coaches; Francis Apap – Taxi Driver; Doreen Scicluna – Falconer, Malta Falconary Centre; Sonia Teuma – Front Office, Maria Giovanna Guest House. Gozo; Charles Abela – Restaurant Manager, The Victoria Hotel; Barbara Pucciarmati – Sales Representative, Tourist Information; Anna Aquilina – Tourist Guide; Theresa Taliana – Hotel Worker of the Year, Pergola Hotel & Spa; Stuart Burke – Recognition award for his contribution to the tourism industry.
Mr Stuart Burke – Recognition award for his contribution to the tourism industry together with Hon Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis (right) and MTA Chairman Dr Gavin Gulia (left)
For more information contact the Quality & Industry HR Development Unit at the Malta Tourism Authority on starscheme@visitmalta.com or (+356) 22915122. Follow us on: Facebook/tourismstarawardsmalta Twitter @StarAwardsMalta Website www.mta.com.mt/starawards