King of Libya. A grandson of the founder of the Senussi Muslim sect, he became leader of the group in 1917. Idris was acknowledged in 1920 by the Italian government as emir of Cyrenaica, but had to flee to Egypt in 1922 after quarreling with the Italy's new fascist government. He was restored to power by the British in 1943 and became Libya's first king when independence was granted in 1951. Throughout his reign, Idris grew unpopular in Libya due to the close ties he had with Great Britain and the United States. Another threat to his monarchy was his failure to produce a male heir. During the 1960s, while Libya's economy was prospering, Idris' health began to falter. On September 1, 1969, while in Turkey for medical treatment, he was deposed in a coup led by Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi. Idris went into exile in Egypt where he passed away in 1983.
King of Libya. A grandson of the founder of the Senussi Muslim sect, he became leader of the group in 1917. Idris was acknowledged in 1920 by the Italian government as emir of Cyrenaica, but had to flee to Egypt in 1922 after quarreling with the Italy's new fascist government. He was restored to power by the British in 1943 and became Libya's first king when independence was granted in 1951. Throughout his reign, Idris grew unpopular in Libya due to the close ties he had with Great Britain and the United States. Another threat to his monarchy was his failure to produce a male heir. During the 1960s, while Libya's economy was prospering, Idris' health began to falter. On September 1, 1969, while in Turkey for medical treatment, he was deposed in a coup led by Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi. Idris went into exile in Egypt where he passed away in 1983.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
Family Members
Spouse
Advertisement
