My cultural project in Malta pertains to the country's military heritage and the role of firearms in modern Maltese culture. Upon arrival on the island, I was immediately impressed by the striking military heritage. The forts of old dominate the landscape, especially in and around the cities surrounding the main harbors. Many towns are built into these forts, most notably the citadel of Gozo and the amazing city of Mdina, which is an almost unaltered castle atop one of Malta's tallest mountains. Even the mighty Fort St. Elmo is still serving her country as the Malta Police Academy.
Most every tourist shop on the island also features some form of knight statue, fake black powder pistol, or even cannon pencil sharpeners. Military museums abound throughout the island, celebrating Malta's marine prowess, the hardships of the Second World War, or simply highlighting the many military conflicts that she has witnessed over the years. Each of these institutions features a wealth of information and incredible artifacts, indicating the significance and prevalence of the events they immortalize. They offer a rewarding experience for nearly any visitor.
It is worth note that most of the military history is especially pertinent to the Knights of Saint John and the British. The military contributions of these foreign bodies are what really give Malta's armies of old their color and notoriety; there is no denying the prowess these powers have bestowed upon the island over the years.
The ICEX team has already had the privilege of visiting the Malta Maritime museum earlier in the trip, and I must say it was a phenomenal experience. The museum focuses on all of Malta's maritime activities, not just warfare, but most of the naval prowess here derives from the reliance on and development of a powerful navy. Staff at the museum explained to us how the Seaman's academies detailing shipbuilding and navigation comprised some of the earliest technical and engineering education on the island. Dockyards employed a great deal many civilian Maltese. The endeavors of ship construction and cannon founding were Malta's gateways to technology and industry.
Just the other day, one of the museum members came to visit us at our apartments to give a fantastic lecture on corsairs in Malta. We learned that corsairing, essentially just a form of legalized piracy, was a major industry in Malta. Captured ships provided essential natural resources such as timber, which is unavailable naturally on the island. Corsair ventures provided a major source of wealth for both their crew and for the island herself. The activities of the corsairs make a very colorful addition to Malta's deep military heritage.
I must admit, my research did not do justice to the colorful military history of the island. I have been continuously impressed by just how much has taken place on, around, and over this small island over the years. However, I was properly prepared for one factor; there is indeed a certain comfort with firearms in modern Maltese culture. Some of the cars on the island proudly sport bumper stickers from major firearm manufacturers such as Sig Sauer. Shooting ranges are clearly marked on road signs around the island, and they are often easy to get to. While we've been performing our field work, I have heard hunters discharging shotguns in the distance, and have found spent casings on the ground on more than one occasion.
However, not everyone is okay with the shooting activity on the island. One of our hosts, Keith Buhagiar, described the hunters as being hostile and belligerent to many of the non-hunting citizens. There are even reports of them taking pot shots at intruders on their hunting grounds. BirdLife, an active conservation organization rooted in Malta, is appalled at the complete disregard for regulations and conservation policies. According to The Malta Independent, they voice a legitimate concern that Malta's hunting policies will soon land the country in the European Court of Justice. Despite a large number of Maltese who do not approve of the hunters' activities, they maintain such a powerful lobby presence that it seems impossible, for now, to displace them. It is an issue of some controversy on Malta, as there are a number of citizens who feel strongly on both sides of the issue. For better or for worse, the hunters are here to stay for the time being.
This weekend I am looking forward to several excellent opportunities for further research. I will be visiting the Malta at War museum to take a closer look at the history of Malta's engagements over the years. I hear that this is a particularly excellent museum, and as such I am very excited to see what I can learn. In addition, there is also a local gun show being held over the weekend. I am very excited to attend and see how closely Maltese firearm culture compares to that of the United States, and to have the opportunity to speak to some current Maltese shooters and get a taste for contemporary firearm culture.
More to come!
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