---
title: Mussolini Proclaiming Himself "Protector of Islam"
author: Unknown Photographer
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20701/mussolini-proclaiming-himself-protector-of-islam/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2025-07-21
---
# Mussolini Proclaiming Himself "Protector of Islam"
_Authored by Unknown Photographer_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20701.jpg)
## Image Caption
A photo of the leader of fascist [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/) [Benito Mussolini](https://www.worldhistory.org/Benito_Mussolini/) (1883-1945) at the gates of Tripoli, Libya, raising the "sword of [Islam](https://www.worldhistory.org/islam/)" and proclaiming himself the "protector of Islam" (20th of May 1937). The photo was retouched: the groom holding the horse was removed.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Photographer, U. (2025, July 21). Mussolini Proclaiming Himself "Protector of Islam". *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Photographer, Unknown. "Mussolini Proclaiming Himself "Protector of Islam"." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 21, 2025. .
### MLA
Photographer, Unknown. "Mussolini Proclaiming Himself "Protector of Islam"." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Jul 2025, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mussolini_spada_islam.jpg) by [**Unknown Photographer**](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mussolini_spada_islam.jpg). Submitted by [Fabio Sappino](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/fabiosappino/ "User Page: Fabio Sappino"), published on 21 July 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.