National Identity in Libya and Italian Colonialism (1911-1943)

The Italian occupation in Libya attempted to erase the religious identity through language and culture, as well as by organizing Christianization campaigns inside and outside the country. Additionally, the Italian occupation sought through its military control to transform Libya into a fascist Italian colony, which led to the emergence of liberation movements and religious, cultural, and military struggle. The research aims to clarify and define the national identity and deepen it among the children of the Arab Islamic homeland, especially the countries that were subjected to Western occupation, which left a large colonial legacy that some countries still suffer from to this day. This is clearly evident in the erasure of the national identity and cultural heritage of these countries, such as folk arts, education, language, customs, and traditions.

The research adopted the historical inductive method to study the aspects of the Italian occupation's legacy in Libya, specifically in the fields of education, folk arts, and national identity. The descriptive-analytical method was also used, as the research is not limited to collecting information but also includes interpreting and analyzing these data. This was done through the analysis of the Libyan national identity during the Italian occupation, reviewing the studies carried out during this period, and the experience that the Libyan state had gone through in erasing its identity during this historical era.

The research results showed that Italy tried to erase the religious identity of the Libyan people by influencing the residents and the population. However, the Libyans resisted these attempts by adhering to the Islamic call and preserving Islamic customs and traditions. Italy did not succeed in controlling Libya culturally and socially during its military occupation and tried to win over its people to recognize its sovereignty over the region.

One of the most important recommendations of the research is to focus on researching and excavating the Libyan artistic heritage and gathering it from various Libyan regions. This includes establishing a library specializing in Libyan popular heritage in relevant entities such as the Ministry of Information, the Libyan Ministry of Culture, the National Theater, and the National Authority for the Protection of Libyan Heritage.