|
Word |
|
Definition |
|
Bahrija |
|
Bahrija is derived from the word baharija,
an Arabic word meaning oasis. It is located to the north of Rabat |
|
Bir |
|
"Bir" refers to a well. Places like Birzebbuga,
Bir Miftuh, Bir id-Deheb all use this word. |
|
Fontana |
|
Literally meaning "fountain." This is of Latin
origin. |
|
Ghadira |
|
Literally means 'Lake'. However the Maltese
Islands do not have any natural lakes and thus this place name can
either signify a small pool like those of which are found at Ghallis
(Ghadira s-Safra) and Kercem (Ghadira tas-Sarraflu) or a bay as that of
Ghadira found at Mellieha. |
|
Ghajn |
|
The word "ghajn" refers to a source of water
that could be easily accessed by people. Historically "ghajn" were communal
water sources whereby people used to abstract water for consumption
purposes. Several place names across the Maltese Islands have this word in
their names. e.g. Wied ll-Ghajn, Ghajn Tuffieha, Ghajnsielem.
Often Ghajn refers to natural fresh water springs. |
|
Ilma |
|
Meaning literally "water". Ghar Ilma is found
near Victoria and Kercem in Gozo. |
|
Marsa |
|
"Marsa" means port. Various place names in the
Maltese Islands have Marsa as part of their name generally followed by a
direction of the wind rose indicating the location of the port e.g.
Marsaxlokk, Marsascala, Marsalforn |
|
Misqa |
|
Misqa means "Watering place". Again it is of
Arabic origin. |
|
Qattara |
|
"Qattara" comes from the word Qatra
meaning a drop. Several areas on the islands are named Il-Qattara or just
Qattara. One of the few existing permanent fresh water pools known as il-Qattara
can be found in the San Lawrenz area. |
|
Wied |
|
"Wied" means a river valley. During the pluvial
period many river valleys formed all over the Maltese Islands and drained to
the sea. Today these are dry river valleys and occasional ones have
temporary springs and water courses during the winter months. Very few have
water all year through. |
