Research and Melitensia Archives - Horizons

Kwadri mill-Istorja

Mario Caruana — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:24:59 +0000

Fuq kollox, sirna indipendenti bis-sagrifiċċju, bl-għaqal u bil-viżjoni tal-bennejja ta’ pajjiżna; il-Maltin u l-Għawdxin ta’ qabilna; li emmnu li dan il-poplu jistħoqqlu jmexxi lilu nnifsu u lil dawn il-blatiet.
Dawn il-bennejja ġew minn kull qasam tal-ħajja u minn kull livell soċjali.
Tajjeb ma nittradux lill-poplu tagħna tal-lum u ta’ għada billi nġibu lil pajjiżna f’verżjoni moderna ta’ kif konna qabel ġew il-Kavallieri: blatiet fit-tarf tat-tarf.

The post Kwadri mill-Istorja appeared first on Horizons.

Bejn Storja u Miti – Emvin Cremona

Mario Caruana — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:30:26 +0000

Dan il-volum qed jimla ċertu vojt li kien jeżisti fl-analiżi tax-xogħlijiet artistiċi ta’ Emvin Cremona. Kritiċi tal-arti u studjużi ltaqgħu f’dan il-volum biex jiċċelebraw dan il-pilastru ewlieni fl-istorja tal-arti Maltija. Fl-aħħar qed issir ġustizzja ma’ artist li l-arti kienet ħajtu, in-nifs tiegħu.

The post Bejn Storja u Miti – Emvin Cremona appeared first on Horizons.

Monsinjur Victor Grech INĦOBBKOM

Mario Caruana — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:32:33 +0000

“Kull tgħanniqa li nagħti permezz tagħha nkun qed inħoss il-bniedem… inħoss id-dgħufija tiegħu… u għalhekk it-tgħanniqa għandha tifsira akbar, għax tkun qed tipprova terfa’ persuna fil-fraġilità tagħha. Bniedem meta jkun imweġġa’ trid tersaq lejh, irid iħoss par idejn li qed iħossuh, qed jgħannquh magħhom. Jiena dejjem hekk imxejt fil-ħajja; mhux tiġġudika lin-nies imma tħenn u tħobbhom… u aktar milli tħenn, li tħobbhom. Tinsewx, il-Caritas qiegħda magħkom, il-Caritas qiegħda fostkom… kull meta jkollkom bżonn xi ħaġa dejjem se ssibu l-bibien tagħna miftuħin beraħ. Inħobbkom ħafna.”

The post Monsinjur Victor Grech INĦOBBKOM appeared first on Horizons.

Ras il-Għajn

Mario Caruana — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:00:59 +0000

“F’dan ix-xogħol, Charles Flores qed jurina mill-qrib il-ħajja mlewna (mhux dejjem b’kuluri vivaċi) tal-ġurnalist: l-inżul u t-tlajja’, il-mumenti tal-glorja u dawk ta’ tensjoni u taqtigħ il-qalb. L-aktar punt li impressjonani f’dan il-ktieb huwa l-irġulija u l-umiltà tiegħu. Minkejja li bħal kulħadd, huwa għandu t-twemmin u s-simpatiji politiċi tiegħu, huwa baqa’ dejjem bniedem ibbilanċjat. Qatt ma ttradixxa l-karriera tiegħu biex jogħġob lil dak jew lill-ieħor.”

Trevor Żahra

MEMOIRS BI STEJJER LI TAF KONT PARTI MINNHOM…
Ġabra ta’ memoirs personali mimlija stejjer u aneddoti fit-tliet oqsma li fihom, Charles Flores sawwar il-karriera tiegħu – il-ġurnaliżmu stampat, ix-xandir, u l-letteratura.

Matul dan il-vjaġġ ta’ qari mexxej u mqanqal, ħafna se jkunu qed jgħixu mill-ġdid perjodi differenti minn ħajjithom u, mal-awtur, iġeddu l-memorji tagħhom bi tbissima, b’xi ftit tan-nostalġija, u
bil-lenti li minnha jkunu esperjenzaw dawk is-sitwazzjonijiet, ġrajjiet, u personaġġi msemmija.

Mit-tfajliet u l-ġuvintur tas-sittinijiet fil-mixed youth clubs, il-poeta ta’ Ġensna, Maltin ifeġġu kullimkien, il-gwardjan mifxul ta’ Operation Exit, l-Empire Stadium, u d-dell tat-tmeninijiet sal-Giochi Senza Frontiere, il-“kaxxa titkellem”, Fleet Street, Eliżabetta II, il-Belt Valletta, u l-isfida llum quddiem il-pubblikaturi Maltin, tixref ħannieqa mlewna ta’ rakkonti u tifkiriet li taf kont int innifsek jnparti minnhom…

The post Ras il-Għajn appeared first on Horizons.

Rivelazzjoni ta’ Mħabba Divina Ġuljana ta’ Norwich

Mario Caruana — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:29:20 +0000

Għal ħafna snin, il-kitba ta’ Ġuljana ta’ Norwich baqgħet mistura. Ftit li xejn kienet magħrufa. Imma f’dawn l-aħħar snin kiber sew l-interess fiha u ħafna qegħdin jaqrawha, jistudjawha u jispiraw ruħhom minnha.

Hi kellha esperjenza straordinarja tal-imħabba ta’ Kristu u xtaqet taqsam ma’ ħutha l-insara dak li għaddiet minnu, biex huma wkoll jagħrfu din l-imħabba meraviljuża. Anke fil-ġurnata tal-lum, min jaqraha jista’ jagħraf il-kobor ta’ din l-imħabba u ta’ kemm il-bniedem hu prezzjuż għal Alla.

Fi kliem l-istudjuż Benedittin Jean Leclercq, hi tgħaqqad flimkien b’faċilità kbira dak li hu l-ġisem ma’ dak li hu tal-ispirtu, l-ordinarju mal-istraordinarju, l-affettività mal-intelliġenza, it-tagħlim mal-ispiritwalità, is-sbuħija mal-verità, l-immaġinazzjoni mar-raġuni, u fuq kollox, l-uman mad-divin.

The post Rivelazzjoni ta’ Mħabba Divina Ġuljana ta’ Norwich appeared first on Horizons.

Malta Cultural Annual

Mario Caruana — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:19:12 +0000

The intention behind this Cultural Annual is that of starting to form a research library that triggers a conversation about Maltese culture.
Culture is identity. In a globalised world, where through information technology, but also through commerce and global economic work necessities, different peoples mix more than ever before, the question of identity has become an even more crucial question than in the past. First of all, there is the recognition of the fluidity of this identity—the fact that we live in times of great and rapid change, more than any other period in the history of humankind. Secondly, the recognition of more interdependence and direct influences means less isolation, and so more assimilation of cultural elements and facets which shape the way in which we define ourselves as that which we are. This obviously brings with it a lot of resistance from certain quarters, while simultaneously leading to the germination of isolationist ideologies and narratives which presuppose a static identity—almost a still life—and most likely one which is nostalgic, pining for a golden age that never was. The consequence of this is that all that which does not conform with this fictitious formula ends up being excluded, if not also considered alien and so deemed as being worthy of being altogether ignored or outright cancelled.
The aim of the Cultural Annual, therefore, is that of continuing to highlight Maltese culture as a continually developing process, one that takes on different guises, goes along with the times, and adapts itself to the world of which the Maltese Islands form part: a world of geopolitics, economy, culture, and communication. The aim is that this is done in a scientific manner, through research in different fields which abut on culture, and for this research to be recognised through a peer-reviewing system; one that, moreover, offers a guarantee to those who read or quote this research that the highest academic levels have been ensured, both in the research methodology as well as its interpretation. This does not mean that this research is the last word on that which is being researched; if anything, it is the aim of this publication to be the beginning of a conversation that, at the end of the day, sheds light on the Maltese identity and how it has been evolving over the years.
The Culture Directorate has launched this initiative with the desire that, bit by bit, we will build a library of research concerning Maltese culture, and that over time we will continue to encourage more researchers to research this field which is so vital to the Maltese people’s existence. I would like to thank, in particular, the editorial board, led by the most able Nikki Petroni, together with the help of Karl Fiorini, as well as all the contributors—be they researchers who are putting forward their research before the readers, or peer reviewers who have done all this work voluntarily. I would also like to pay homage to Professor John P. Portelli with whom we had originally launched this project, and whose academic experience was of great help throughout all this process until this book found itself in the hands of its readers.

The post Malta Cultural Annual appeared first on Horizons.

Beyond Walls

Mario Caruana — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:50:55 +0000

A Social Housing Story

From Post-War Beginnings
To Modern Communities

The Housing Authority was established on 11 October 1976 through Act XV of 1976, commonly known as The Housing Authority Act. It operates under the Ministry for Social and Affordable Accommodation.

Initially located at Auberge de Bavière in St Sebastian Street, Valletta, the Housing Authority moved its offices in 1991 to Pietro Floriani Street, Floriana, where it continues to provide services to this day.

Since its establishment, the Housing Authority’s roles and responsibilities have expanded significantly. In 2007, the Department of Social Housing and the Department of Housing Construction and Maintenance merged with the Housing Authority. To accommodate this growth, the premises in Floriana were extended to ensure operational efficiency. With the introduction of the Private Residential Leases Act in 2020, the Authority also became the regulator of Malta’s private residential rental market. Today, these functions are fully integrated, enabling the Housing Authority to support individuals and families in need of accommodation, assistance, and housing-related services.

The Housing Authority performs several key functions. It allocates social housing, offering a safety net for low-income households, and administers various schemes and incentives to enhance housing affordability. In addition to its regulatory responsibilities, it oversees the renovation and modernisation of social housing, ensuring regular repairs and maintenance to provide safe and improved living conditions. Furthermore, it collaborates with other entities to develop new social and affordable housing units, addressing evolving housing needs and fostering sustainable, inclusive communities.

The post Beyond Walls appeared first on Horizons.

Beyond Walls

Mario Caruana — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:42:53 +0000

A Social Housing Story

From Post-War Beginnings
To Modern Communites

The Housing Authority was established on 11 October 1976 through Act XV of 1976, commonly known as The Housing Authority Act. It operates under the Ministry for Social and Affordable Accommodation.

The post Beyond Walls appeared first on Horizons.

FORTY-SIX FEET SHORT

Mario Caruana — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:08:04 +0000

The Tragic End of Vulcan Bomber XM645 and the Aftermath

On 14 October 1975, the village of Żabbar was hit by an unprecedented tragedy. An RAF Vulcan bomber from RAF Waddington on a routine training mission to Malta suffered severe damage following a bad landing at Luqa airfield. A fire broke out. During its go-around for an emergency landing, the aircraft exploded over Żabbar with fatal consequences for most of the crew as well as for at least one civilian on the ground. Several people were injured and houses, mainly in Sanctuary Street, were damaged by the falling wreckage. The village was plunged into deep mourning as it laid to rest one of its own while the RAF victims were repatriated to the UK to be joined by their loved ones for burial.

Drawing on extensive research, this book presents what led to the accident and loss of life, the investigation outcome, the damages, and the subsequent trial. Furthermore, it tells of episodes and stories that bring to the fore memories and recollections of that fateful day.

The post FORTY-SIX FEET SHORT appeared first on Horizons.

A Mediterranean History of Modern Art: Tension between History and Metahistory

Mario Caruana — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:57:25 +0000

A Mediterranean History of Modern Art: Tension Between History and Metahistory (Vol. 1) – L-Istorja tal-Arti Moderna Mediterranja: Tensjoni bejn l-Istorja u l-Metastorja huwa l-aktar pubblikazzjoni riċenti tal-Prof. Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci. Dan l-ewwel volum jibni fuq ir-riċerka kritika tal-awtur dwar l-arti moderna billi jiffoka fuq l-iżviluppi artistiċi li seħħew u li għadhom iseħħu fir-reġjun tal-Mediterran, b’mod speċjali matul is-sekli 19 u 20. Dan huwa l-ewwel xogħol kritiku fuq l-arti moderna Mediterranja, li janalizza r-reġjun bħala entità sħiħa u jgħarbel fid-dettall il-kontradizzjonijiet multipliċi u kumplessi li dan l-ispazju ġeografiku huwa miżgħud bihom.

F’dan il-ktieb, il-metodu storiku-teoretiku li Schembri Bonaci ilu jħaddan dwar l-istudju tal-arti hawnhekk jissoktah biex ikopri temi li huma profondament integrati mal-istorja tal-Mediterran, partikularment it-tensjoni bejn il-poteri kożmopolitani u dawk fil-periferija, it-tensjoni bejn il-ħakkiem u l-ikkolonjalizzat, u l-mod kif dawn iddeterminaw il-karatteristika artistika li jħaddan dan ir-reġjun. F’din il-publikazzjoni, l-awtur jintroduci metodoloġija gdida li b’mod djalettiku – magħrufa bħala l-metodu orizzontali li jirribatti dik li eġemonikament hi magħrufa bħala approċċ vertikali u li fil-fatt kienet il-ġerarkija dominanti ta’ pożizzjonijiet militanti fl-arti. B’dan il-mod radikali ġdid, Schembri Bonaci jisfida l-metodoloġiji antikwati li dejjem qdew l-interessi ta’ min hu fil-poter, metodoloġiji li għadhom sal-lum predominanti fir-riċerka akkademika periferali, inkluża dik ta’ Malta.

Din il-bidla innovattiva minn metodoloġija vertikali għal dik orizzontali – minkejja dan – fl-istess ħin twaħħadhom djalettikament flimkien, u tiftaħ possibiltajiet ġodda dwar kif l-istorja għandha tiġi eżaminata, anke a tramite ideat filosofiċi Marxisti, inkluż dawk żviluppati minn ħassieba tal-Modern, tal-iskola ta’ Frankfurt, dik Post-Marxista u Post-Modernista, u kif dan kollu b’xi mod jew ieħor sab l-għeruq fil-ħsieb kontemporanju tal-lum, u l-aktar sinifikanti li riċerka bħal din tkun imsejsa fuq kitba u analiżi li s-sorsi tagħha tkun ġejja minn filosfi, intellettwali, studjużi u artisti minn kull naħa tal-Mediterran, inkluzi dawk non-Ewropej.

Il-ħsieb ewlieni ta’ dan kollu huwa li jittieħdu l-passi meħtieġa bil-għan li jisfidaw perspettivi kolonjali, perspettivi li għalkemm imlibbsa b’forom u lbies differenti, għadhom jezistu u jaħkmu fiċ-ċrieki akkademiċi sal-lum il-ġurnata.

Din il-pubblikazzjoni ‘Horizons’ kienet megħjuna mill-Fond Malti tal-Ktieb 2023 tal-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb.

The post A Mediterranean History of Modern Art: Tension between History and Metahistory appeared first on Horizons.