Gozo : the identity of an island region

Abstract

It has been said that all island societies have developed particular features to make them ‘unique (Patton, 1996: 190). The island region of Gozo is no exception. It is an example of an island identity, which is the result of its unique geography, history and culture based on special characteristics of an island separated by sea from the mainland. Gozo has unique landscape and seascape. It has a particular environment, culture and traditions and possible ways of communication. Insularity does not however necessarily mean isolation. Although insularity is not the same as isolation, one could say that the insularity of an island very often generates a certain amount of isolation from the mainland. Despite the fact of this insularity, Gozo was able to sustain a dynamic interaction with mainland Malta.