BATTLE OF LEPANTO (1571).

ROLCAM · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 12:08 am Post subject: BATTLE OF LEPANTO (1571).

Barbarossa (1466?-1546) was a Barbary corsair (sea raider). Also called Khair-ed-Din, he was the younger of two red-bearded brothers who scourged the western Mediterranean in the 1500's. Khair-ed-Din succeeded his brother Arouj as commander of organized fleets of ships. He became high admiral of the Turkish navy, and devoted his life to ferocious and vengeful attacks on Christian ships and towns.

He also captured Tunis and Algiers. He plundered the shores of Italy, France, and Spain, and enslaved thousands of Christians. He twice defeated the great Genoese admiral, Andrea Doria. The Turkish naval supremacy that he helped build up was not destroyed until the Christians defeated the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.

Malta to participate in anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Lepanto

Malta will be represented in the town of Nafpaktos, Greece tomorrow when there will be celebrations marking the historic victory of the Battle of Lepanto (1571). Spain, Italy, Austria, Croatia and San Marino will be joining Malta in the spectacular re-evocation of this historic battle when marching through the harbour town.

Malta’s participation will consist of an “In Guardia” unit dressed in period uniform. Prominent in this unit will be two characters dressed up as Cavaliere Gran Croce bearing the Maltese eight pointed cross on their black robe, the symbol par excellence of the Knights of Malta.

The tourist town of Nafpaktos commemorates each year the victory of the “Holy League” against the Ottoman Navy on 7 October, 1571, a battle of particular importance for Europe. This year’s vision of the organisers for these celebrations is to transcend Greece’s borders and to urge citizens and cultural associations from participating countries to achieve peaceful co-existence. The type and content of the celebrations were jointly decided by the participating countries including Turkey, with a view to cultural convergence between people of different customs, habits and religions.

This year, the celebrations in Nafpaktos will take a European dimension and will be consolidated as a historical, cultural and artistic event that will constitute a reference point for every European and Mediterranean country.

Nafpaktos will, in fact, be promoted as a cultural and historical centre of Europe. Its historical harbour will be transformed into one reminiscent of 1571, mainly due to its appropriate scenery and decoration. Modern building fronts in the area of the harbour will be dressed up to depict older buildings and modern lighting will be replaced by torches.

The spectacular sea show and the living history parade will include Malta’s “In Guardia” unit. The event will be broadcast live by satellite. The four-day event will include liturgical services, a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the naval battle and farewell events for foreign delegations. Malta will be represented in these celebrations by its resident ambassador-designate to Greece, Dr Richard Vella Laurenti. Malta’s Honorary Consul General for Athens, Piraeus and the Greek Islands, Mr Kostas Kalogeropoulos, will also be attending.
_________________
Roland Camilleri

Moderator

Sydney , Australia.