GOZO's History
Gozo's history
Gozo's history stretches back deep into antiquity, beginning around 5000 BC when intrepid farmers from nearby Sicily ventured across the Mediterranean Sea to establish themselves on the island. Archaeological evidence, particularly in the form of pottery from the Ghar Dalam phase, suggests a tangible connection between these early settlers and regions in Sicily, specifically the area around Agrigento. However, while this connection remains celebrated, the precise location within Sicily from which these early farmers originated cannot be definitively pinpointed. What is apparent, though, is that upon arrival, they found shelter and began their new lives in caves situated on what are now the outskirts of the area known as Saint Lawrence.
Gozo was more than just an inhabited area; it became a center for significant cultural advancements during the Neolithic period. One of the most remarkable feats of this era was the construction of the Ggantija temples. These awe-inspiring structures hold the distinction of being the world's oldest free-standing architectures alongside being the earliest known religious sites. The term "Ggantija" derives from the Maltese word for "giant," a nod to the local legends that attribute the temples' construction to giants. This bit of folklore enriches the narrative, suggesting that these gigantic builders were responsible for their remarkable size and intricacy. Another archaeological treasure from this epoch is the Xaghra Stone Circle, adding layers to the island's rich prehistory. Additionally, Gozo finds its place in mythology and history through the assertions of local traditions and ancient scholars like Euhemerus and Callimachus. They identify Gozo as Homer’s fabled Ogygia, the dwelling of the nymph Calypso, bringing a mythical dimension to its historical tapestry.
The island's narrative took a dramatic turn in July 1551 when Ottoman forces under the command of Turgut Reis and Sinan Pasha invaded. This incursion resulted in significant devastation and the tragic enslavement of approximately 5,000 Gozitans, who were forcibly taken to Tarhuna Wa Msalata in Libya. The departure point for this harrowing journey was located at Mgarr ix-Xini. It wasn't until a succession of repopulation efforts between 1565 and 1580, driven by the Knights of Malta, that the island saw a resurgence. During this period, individuals from mainland Malta relocated to Gozo, breathing new life into the island.
Throughout history, the destinies of Gozo and Malta have been closely intertwined, with Gozo being administratively under Malta's governance. A notable exception to this enduring connection occurred during a period of autonomy granted by Napoleon following his conquest of the Maltese archipelago, lasting from 28 October 1798 until 5 September 1800. In more recent history, on 14 April 1961, the Gozo Civic Council came into being, marking a new chapter as the first experiment in local governance since the French occupation over a century and a half earlier. Although empowered to impose taxes, the council refrained from exercising this authority.
Political shifts in 1971 with the election of the Labour Party brought changes, as their influence on Gozo was limited. They advocated for a centralization of administration and prompted a referendum focused on disbanding the council by emphasizing the potential for tax imposition. This led to the 1973 referendum, where the majority of voters, specifically 76.97%, opted for the abolition of the Gozo Civic Council.
The mid-1980s ushered in discussions about re-establishing a focused governance for Gozo with the proposition of forming a Gozo committee. This was to be chaired by the Prime Minister and include Gozitan MPs as members. However, it wasn't until 1987 that the Ministry of Gozo was officially formed, providing tailored oversight for the island, albeit with a temporary downgrade to a Parliamentary Secretariat from 1996 to 1998. Local governance on the island took a more structured form starting in 1993 with the introduction of local councils across 14 Gozitan localities, reestablishing a level of autonomy and representation that continues to shape the island's contemporary administrative landscape.