Dghajsa

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Dghajjes in Birgu.
View of the Grand Harbour in the 1890s with various dghajjes in the foreground.

A dgħajsa (pronounced dysa in Maltese) is a traditional water taxi from Malta. The design of the Dghajsa, like that of another Maltese boat, the luzzu, is believed to date back at least to the Phoenician times.

It was mainly used in the area of the Grand Harbour, to carry passengers and small baggage from ships to shore. It was usually propelled by one man standing, facing forward, and pushing on two oars. The high stem and stern pieces seem to be mainly ornamental but they are useful in handling the boat and in the boarding and disembarking of passengers. The decorative symbols vary from boat to boat.

Nowadays Dghajjes are no longer used as water taxis but as tourist attractions. They are sometimes motorised with diesel engines.

Coat of Arms of Malta, 1975-1988.

The Dghajsa is one of the symbols of Malta and it appeared on the coat of arms of Malta from 1975 to 1988.

See also

  • Luzzu, sometimes mistakenly referred as dghajsa

External links

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