Din l-Art Helwa

Abstract

Nothwithstanding the fact that for centuries both Maltese nationals and citizens of foreign powers, that from time to time had ruled the islands, boasted of the historical and natural beauties of Malta, no serious action was ever taken for their preservation. The British imported into the islands many aspects of culture from their own country. but although Civic and National Trusts had been in existence in Britain for over 100 years, no efforts were ever made to create a similar body here. Even our great patriot and renowned archaeologist Sir T. Zammit, lamenting the destruction of artistic and historic buildings in Valletta, could not find any support in establishing some kind of body to safeguard our national heritage. The indifference, by past governments, to the historic and artistic treasures can be proved by the meagre vote in the Estimates for the Museum Department. It is impossible to estimate how much of the national heritage would have been saved, and how much natural beauty would have remained unspoiled during the last fifty years if an Association like Din I Art Helwa had been in existence. look at old view cards and illustrations published before the war and you will weep for the loss that our country has suffered since the end of the first world war.