"Panorama Dimostrativo della Grande Battaglia Henni-Messri del 26 Novembre 1911",

This rare Italian view shows Tripoli and its surroundings during the Italo-Turkish War. It depicts a battle at Henni, in the oasis on the outskirts of Tripoli, on November 26, 1911. In October 1911, Italian troops captured Tripoli in the opening maneuvers of the Italo-Turkish War. The Ottoman Empire did not have a full army stationed in Tripolitania and lacked the naval strength to bring in troops, so the Ottomans were forced to organize local Libyans to defend against the Italian invasion. The battle at Henni was one of many skirmishes in the aftermath of the Italian capture of Tripoli. During the battle, the 11th Bersaglieri, the 93rd Infantry, and two battalions of grenadiers were able to reoccupy the oasis after it was briefly taken by Ottoman-aligned forces. The view provides an interesting look at various fortifications in the region, with Italian flags prominently waving. Italian ships line the coast. An alternative title, La Guerra Italo Turca runs across the top of the view in an Italian flag cartouche incorporating photographic portraits of three officers, among them General Carlo Caneva. Italian text at bottom left describes the battle. Lithography by the successors to A. Moldenhauer.

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Condition: B+

Issued folding with some short tears along the folds, faint stains, and some extraneous creasing. A 2" edge tear at right has been closed on verso with tape, and another unrepaired edge tear at left extends into the neatline.