Libya
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King Idris I of Libya
Jaghbub, Libya
Archival Overview
First and only King of the United Kingdom of Libya (1951–1969), leader of the Senussi Sufi order, who proclaimed Libyan independence on December 24, 1951, uniting Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, and Fezzan.
Biographical Record
Sayyid Muhammad Idris al-Mahdi al-Senussi (1889–1983) was the grandson of the founder of the Grand Senussi order. Recognized as Emir of Cyrenaica by the British during WWII, he mobilized the Libyan Arab Force to fight alongside Allied armies against the Axis forces of Rommel in North Africa.
Following the war, under the auspices of the United Nations, Idris skillfully united the three historically disparate regions of Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and the Fezzan. On December 24, 1951, from the balcony of the Al-Manar Palace in Benghazi, King Idris I officially proclaimed the independence of the United Kingdom of Libya. He ruled until deposed in the 1969 coup while in Turkey, living peacefully in Cairo until 94.
Key Life Milestones
Proclamation of Libyan Independence
Proclaimed the sovereign United Kingdom of Libya under UN auspices, uniting the three historic provinces.
Discovery of Libyan Petroleum
Oversaw the discovery of the Zelten oil fields, transforming Libya from an impoverished land into an energy power.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialMedina, Saudi Arabia