Iklin

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Iklin
Coat of arms of Iklin
Coat of arms
Official name: L-Iklin
Inhabitants' name: Ikliniż (m), Ikliniża (f), Ikliniżi (pl) (code: IKL)

Map of Iklin


Latitude: 35°54 '15" N
Longitude: 14°27 '16" E
Area: 1.7km²
Population total: 3,220 (Nov 2005)
Population density: 1,865/km²
Borders: Balzan, Birkirkara, Għargħur, Lija, Naxxar, San Ġwann, Swieqi
Patron saint: holy Family ()
Day of festa: of St. Michael Sunday before September 29
Mayor: Anthony Dalli (PN)
Website: iklin.gov.mt

Iklin (or L-Iklin) is a relatively modern village in the centre of Malta, with a population of 3,203 people (Nov 2005), situated between Birkirkara, Naxxar and Lija. Iklin detached itself only recently from neighbouring village, Lija. A number of commercial outlets have more recently opened in the area. It also has its own Parish Church. This means that it does not depend any longer on Lija, which is its neighbouring village. In fact such celebrations as the first holy communion and confirmation are celebrated in the Iklin Chapel. Such activities which are organised each year include:

  • Jum l-Iklin (Iklin's Day)
  • a fund-raising activity for the Parish Church

There is a small chapel dedicated to St. Michael. St. Michael's feast is celebrated the Sunday before the 29 September. This current chapel seems to have been built in 1615, on the site of a previous chapel. Mgr. Dusina report of the Apostolic Visit in 1575 describes the chapel in a very poor state.

Contents

[edit] Archaeological sites at Iklin

Even though Iklin has only recently developed (the first house was built in 1958), it still has a few minor sites of archaeological importance:

  • a megalithic site, perhaps the remains of a temple was discovered in 1967 by the Teenagers Din l-Art Ħelwa group from St. Aloysius' College. Unfortunately, this site has never been seriously surveyed or studied.
  • a second megalithic site was studied in 1986 during works on the new Birkirkara By-Pass, in the area known as Tar-Raddiena. Two large megaliths, and a few smaller ones are still visible (though often ignored) on this busy road. The ruins were dated, through pottery sherds found during excavation, to the Temple Period.
  • the foundations of a Roman Villa were excavated in 1975 during construction works. Unfortunately, the site - which seems to have been quite an interesting minor site - was destroyed soon after excavation, in the name of progress.

[edit] Zones in Iklin

  • Ta' Ġnien Fonsu (Alphons Garden's Village)
  • Ta' Kieles
  • Ta' Simblija
  • Tat-Tabib (Doctor's Village)

[edit] Iklin Main Roads

  • Triq Dun Karm (Dun Karm By-Pass)
  • Triq Geronimo Abos (Geronimo Abos Street)
  • Triq il-Wied (Valley Street)
  • Triq in-Naxxar (Naxxar Road)
  • Triq San Mikiel (St Micheal Street)

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 35°54′15″N, 14°27′16″E