Italian Colonisation & Libyan Resistance the Al-Sanusi of Cyrenaica (1911 – 1922)

Abstract

This paper seeks to analyse Italian Colonialism in Libya from 1911-1922 against the backdrop of the anti-colonial Sanusi Order. Part A seeks to set the colonial context and ambitions of the European powers in North Africa (and the Maghrib). Part B will outline the emergence of the Sanusi resistance as well as the origins and evolution of the Order from mid-1800’s to a religious-politico organisation by 1911. Part C will investigate the Turco-Italian War (1911-12) whereby Italy officially occupied Libya, it will examine the role of the Sanusi resistance during the first colonial war, subsequent conflicts and the years of the Accords (when a semblance of peace appeared to be on the horizon) and conclude briefly on the impact of the Sanusi Order.