Turkish Embassy Opposes ‘Barbaric’ Plans To Build Three-Storey Garage Complex Near Historic Ottoman Cemetery In Marsa
Plans to build garages and workshops near an important Turkish cemetery in Marsa have received backlash from Maltese and Turkish campaigners, including the Turkish embassy.
The Ottoman-Muslim cemetery was built by Emmanuele Luigi Galizia at the request of Sultan Abdulaziz during his visit to Malta in 1867 and is easily recognised by its extravagant Orientalist architecture.
Now, the architectural gem is under threat after an application was submitted by a company seeking to build a three-story complex comprising of 29 industrial garages near the “Ottoman Taj Maha'”.
The cemetery has already been damaged by past industrial activities, and it’s feared the proposed development will be the final nail in the coffin.
“Previous incidents have demonstrated the incompatibility of industrial activity in the proximity of this historical site,” the Turkish embassy said in a submission to the Planning Authority.
The cemetery is currently undergoing restoration work by the Turkish government, which reported that damage had been caused to the rear wall by passing traffic in the industrial estate.
Other campaigners against this proposal include architecture historian Conrad Thake, who has labeled the ordeal as “nothing short of barbaric” when speaking to The Times of Malta.
“The Ottoman Muslim Cemetery should be protected at all costs,” he said in a Facebook post. “It is a sublime example of rare Orientalist architecture in Malta. Its setting and the surrounding context is just as important. The side views as per photograph below would be totally obliterated with this proposed development. We owe it to Emmanuele Luigi Galizia, present and future generations to safeguard it.”
Notable Maltese organizations have also spoken out against this development, including the Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, Din l-Art Helwa and the Marsa Local Council, who warned that no development that might impact the “architectural gem” should be allowed.
The application submitted is for an outline development permit only which means that, if accepted, the applicant would need to submit more detailed plans before the final approval.
The Planning Authority is due to rule on the application by the end of November.
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