Libya Research Tips and Strategies

Libya Wiki Topics

Libya Beginning Research

Getting Started Online Learning Record Finder Research Strategies

Record Types

Cemeteries Census Church Records Civil Registration Colonial Records Compiled Genealogies Directories Emigration & Immigration Military Records Newspapers Religious Records Tribes and Clans

Libya Background

Biographies Gazetteers History Languages Maps Naming Customs Social Life & Customs

Libya Genealogical Word Lists

Arabic

Local Research Resources

Archives & Libraries Societies Local FamilySearch Center

In other languages: العربية

Libya

Research Strategies

Purpose of Research Tips and Strategies Wiki Page The Libya Research Tips and Strategies page consists of links to specific research strategies for Libya. It also contains general tips and other resources for finding your ancestors in this locality.

Libya Research Strategies

• Getting Started
• Record Finder
• Online Learning - Video classes
• Beginning Your Middle East Family Tree

Libya Research Tips

Understand Important Historical Events

• Ottoman Rule (1551–1911): Libya was part of the Ottoman Empire, with local rulers (Beys) governing the region. This period saw significant administrative changes and land management reforms, impacting land ownership and records.
• Italian Colonization (1911–1943): Italy invaded and colonized Libya, leading to extensive changes in land ownership, administration, and record-keeping. The Italians introduced a system of civil registration, which included detailed records of births, marriages, and deaths.
• British and French Administration (1943–1951): After World War II, Libya was administered by Britain and France. This period saw further changes in land ownership and governance structures, impacting genealogical records1.
• Libyan Independence (1951): Libya gained independence and established a monarchy under King Idris I. This period involved significant changes in land ownership and administrative records as the new government took control.
• See also Libya History.

Where to Start Finding Records

• Libya Tribes and Clans - Online books about tribes in Libya and the surrounding areas, including family histories and some genealogies
• Libya Census - Both the Ottoman Empire and the Italians conducted censuses in Libya
• Libya Civil Registration - FamilySearch has an online collection of Marriage documents, wills, and death certificates from Tripoli, Libya 1860-1940 (some in Arabic). These must be viewed at a FamilySearch Center.
• U.S. State Department Reciprocity and Civil Documents - (Libya) Contains information about record-keeping practices in Libya and offices to contact

Connect with Societies

• Libya Societies - Organizations and societies focused on genealogical research relevant to Libya. Connecting with societies and genealogy research groups can be extremely helpful for asking questions, exchanging ideas, and learning new strategies.
• Arab Genealogy Community - Online research forum for Arab genealogy.