Wirt iż-Żejtun

Wirt iż-Żejtun is pleased to announce the launch of its fifteenth publication “Iż-Żejtun – Città Beland: Our Heritage – Our Place – Our Life”. This project had long been in the pipeline, but now, thanks to a collaboration between Vincent Zammit, the author and Daniel Cilia, the photographer, it has finally seen the light of day. Within its pages, both author and photographer, attempt to distil the essence of our village. Readers are taken through its long history, from prehistoric to modern times, through a well-researched narrative which is complemented by wonderful photography. There are pictures, not only of the many interesting buildings dotted around Iż-Żejtun, but also of feasts and celebrations which form an integral part of the fabric of village life. It is a vibrant snapshot of a thriving village, steeped in history and tradition.

The publication was launched on Friday 15th March at the Oratory of the Blessed Sacrament in the Parish Church complex, under the patronage of His Excellency, George Vella, President of Malta. The very well attended event included the speeches by Vincent Zammit, author, and Daniel Cilia, photographer and designer; and a speech by Rev. Prof. Saviour Chircop. These were followed by a speech by Perit Ruben Abela, President of Wirt iż-Żejtun, who presented a copy of the book to His Excellency. The event was concluded by His Excellency who thanked Wirt iż-Żejtun for this publication and encouraged those present to appreciate more the heritage which our town posses. During the event, sacred music was played by the Fourtune String Quartet and Jean Claude Gatt was the compaire.

This publication was only made possible through European co-funding through the LEADER programme under the administration of the Galxlokk Foundation. Wirt iż-Żejtun would like to thank all those who gave their support to this project, thereby helping in the fulfilment of the principal objective of increasing
the public’s appreciation of and interest in Iż-Żejtun.

Photographs provided by the Office of the President.

Three full years have passed since Wirt iż-Żejtun sent a detailed report to the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Planning Authority recommending 29 properties to be scheduled due to their historical and architectural importance. A year later the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, sent its recommendations to the Executive Council of the Planning Authority. This report followed another similar one, sent in 2019, recommending 9 other sites in Bulebel and its surroundings also for scheduling.

Till today, none of these sites have been scheduled yet. These recommendations were submitted as we believe in a pro-active approach and not a reactive one. Rather than complaining, we took the bull by its horns and made our recommendations to protect what we believe should be protected.

We are publishing both reports below.