The contribution of Jews to the Italian policy of peaceful preparation for the occupation of the province of Tripolitania and the position of the Ottoman authorities regarding it, 1884-1911

Abstract

This study, entitled “The Contribution of Jews to Italy’s Policy of Peaceful Penetration for the Occupation of the Province of Tripoli of the West and the Position of the Ottoman Authorities toward It (1884–1911)”, examines the role of Jews in the preparatory phase—or the so-called policy of peaceful penetration—adopted by Italy in its occupation of the Arab Province of Tripoli. It explores the motives behind Jewish support for Italy, whether among members of the local Jewish community that had been present in the province for centuries or among European Jews who enjoyed the protection of certain European consulates operating in Tripoli.

The study clarifies how and why Jews adopted this stance, and it elucidates the underlying motivations for doing so. It also sheds light on the various fields in which their activities were pursued, revealing a multiplicity of dimensions—most notably economic and cultural—while being particularly characterized by close cooperation with Italian institutions. In this regard, the study demonstrates how efforts were made to remove obstacles facing the Banco di Roma and to enable it to acquire land.

Conversely, the study examines the measures undertaken by the Ottoman authorities to counter the policy of peaceful penetration and Italian infiltration carried out with Jewish assistance. These authorities were fully aware of what was taking place and acted within their capacity to confront this policy. Accordingly, they issued a number of decisions intended to prevent Jews who were Ottoman subjects from engaging in activities that might contribute to consolidating Italy’s foothold in the country, and to forestall the pretexts for occupation that Italy would later invoke to justify any military action undertaken in this province.