Italian Colonisation & Libyan Resistance to 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 sets the colonial context and the ambitions of the European powers in North Africa (and the Maghrib). Part B outlines the emergence of the Sanusi resistance as well as the origins and evolution of the Order from the mid-1800’s to a religious-politico organisation by 1911. Part C investigates the Turco-Italian War (1911-12) whereby Italy officially occupied Libya, examines 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 concludes briefly on the impact of the Sanusi Order.