Maltese people

Europe Y semino

PCA map of ancient and modern populations

Luigi Maria Ugolini, Tarxien Ghonnella

Il-Kantilena

Malta -mix- 2019 by-RaBoe 067

Maltese people are the national and ethnic groups that are identified with the country of Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. The Maltese are a Southern European people, primarily descended from populations of the ancient Phoenicians and Carthaginians, as well as later colonizers such as the Romans, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, and British. The Maltese language, which is of Semitic origin, reflects this diverse heritage, though it has been heavily influenced by Italian, particularly Sicilian, and to a lesser extent English.

History

The history of the Maltese people is believed to date back to around 5200 BC when settlers from the nearby island of Sicily crossed over to Malta. Over the millennia, Malta saw a succession of powers controlling the islands, each leaving their mark on the Maltese population. The Phoenicians were among the first, using Malta as an outpost for their expansive trade networks. The Romans followed, integrating Malta into their empire and introducing Roman Catholicism, which remains the dominant religion to this day.

In the medieval period, Malta was conquered by the Arabs, who introduced new agricultural techniques and significantly influenced the Maltese language. The Normans later ousted the Arabs, bringing Malta under the influence of the Kingdom of Sicily. The Knights Hospitaller (also known as the Knights of Malta) took control in 1530, fortifying the islands and leaving a lasting legacy in Maltese culture and architecture.

The French briefly occupied Malta at the end of the 18th century, but it was the British who left a more enduring impact, ruling Malta from 1800 until its independence in 1964. The British introduced their system of administration, law, and education, as well as the English language, which, alongside Maltese, is an official language of Malta today.

Culture

Maltese culture is a rich blend of influences reflecting the various powers that have ruled Malta over the centuries. The local cuisine, for example, incorporates elements from Sicilian, Middle Eastern, and British gastronomy. Traditional Maltese food includes dishes such as pastizzi, rabbit stew, and ħobż biż-żejt.

Festas, or village feasts, are a central aspect of Maltese culture, celebrating the patron saints of the local parishes with processions, fireworks, and music. These events showcase the Maltese people's deep-rooted Catholic faith and community spirit.

Demographics

The majority of Maltese people reside in Malta, which has a population of over 500,000. There is also a significant Maltese diaspora, particularly in countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the United States, where Maltese communities have established themselves, maintaining their cultural traditions.

Language

The Maltese language, Malti, is the national language of Malta and, along with English, an official language. It is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet and has absorbed many loanwords from Italian, Sicilian, and English. The language is a source of national pride and a key component of Maltese identity.

Conclusion

The Maltese people, with their rich history and diverse cultural influences, are the heart of the Mediterranean's melting pot. Their language, traditions, and community life reflect a unique blend of the many civilizations that have inhabited the Maltese Islands.

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