A Historical Overview of Political and Literary Life in Libya (During the Turkish and Italian Rule Periods)

Suad Al-Mashat Al-Sayegh

This study examines the historical trajectory of political and literary life in Libya during the Ottoman rule and Italian colonization, reviewing the geopolitical and cultural transformations the country underwent. The author highlights key historical phases, including the First Ottoman Period, the Karamanli Era, and the Second Ottoman Period, leading to the Italian invasion and subsequent British and French administrations. The paper emphasizes the vital role of religious institutions—such as Zaouias, Kuttabs, Al-Asmari Mosque, and Othman Pasha College—in preserving Arab-Islamic identity and the Arabic language against colonial assimilation policies. Furthermore, it explores the impact of early journalism in nurturing literary activity, the evolution of classical and folk poetry, and the early development of prose and narrative forms, including the story-essay in Libya.

Political Life, Literary Life, Libya, Ottoman Rule, Italian Colonization, Libyan Journalism, Classical Poetry, Story-Essay