Libya Colonial Records

Ottoman Empire (1551-1911)
Although part of the Ottoman Empire from the mid-16th century, the country enjoyed autonomous rule from 1711-1835. In 1835, the Ottomans re-instituted direct rule which lasted until 1911 when Italy launched an attack against the Turks.

Italian Colonization (1911-1943)
Italy launched a war against the Ottoman Empire for control of Libya in 1911. Their rule lasted until the Allied Forces gained control in 1943.

British Colonization (1943-1951)
The former Italian colony of Libya was governed by the Allies of World War Two, also known as the United Nations, from 1943 until 1951. The British Military administration controlled the regions of Cyrenaica and Tripolitania of the former Italian Libya. Libya declared its independence in December 1951.