Architecture and Tourism in Italian Colonial Libya: An Ambivalent Modernism (Studies in Modernity and National Identity)

Name: Architecture and Tourism in Italian Colonial Libya: An Ambivalent Modernism (Studies in Modernity and National Identity)
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Book Synopsis: To be a tourist in Libya during the period of Italian colonization was to experience a complex negotiation of cultures. Against a sturdy backdrop of indigenous culture and architecture, modern metropolitan culture brought its systems of transportation and accommodation, as well as new hierarchies of political and social control. Architecture and Tourism in Italian Colonial Libya shows how Italian authorities used the contradictory forces of tradition and modernity to both legitimize their colonial enterprise and construct a vital tourist industry. Although most tourists sought to escape the trappings of the metropole in favor of experiencing "difference," that difference was almost always framed, contained, and even defined by Western culture.

McLaren argues that the "modern" and the "traditional" were entirely constructed by colonial authorities, who balanced their need to project an image of a modern and efficient network of travel and accommodation with the necessity of preserving the characteristic qualities of the indigenous culture. What made the tourist experience in Libya distinct from that of other tourist destinations was the constant oscillation between modernizing and preservation tendencies. The movement between these forces is reflected in the structure of the book, which proceeds from the broadest level of inquiry into the Fascist colonial project in Libya to the tourist organization itself, and finally into the architecture of the tourist environment, offering a way of viewing state-driven modernization projects and notions of modernity from a historical and geographic perspective.

This is an important book for architectural historians and for those interested in colonial and postcolonial studies, as well as Italian studies, African history, literature, and cultural studies more generally.

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Experience the captivating history of Italian Colonial Libya with Architecture and Tourism in Italian Colonial Libya: An Ambivalent Modernism. This groundbreaking book delves into the complex interplay between indigenous culture and modern metropolitan influences, offering a fascinating exploration of the negotiation of cultures during the period of Italian colonization. Its rich analysis showcases how Italian authorities skillfully utilized the forces of tradition and modernity to both legitimize their colonial enterprise and establish a thriving tourist industry.

Unlike typical tourist destinations, a visit to colonial Libya provided a unique experience. Travelers sought to immerse themselves in the allure of "difference." However, this fascination with otherness was always framed and defined by Western culture. McLaren argues that colonial authorities intentionally constructed the concepts of the "modern" and the "traditional," simultaneously showcasing a modern and efficient network of travel and accommodation while preserving the distinct characteristics of the indigenous culture.

As you delve into the pages of Architecture and Tourism in Italian Colonial Libya, you'll uncover the constant oscillation between modernizing and preservation tendencies. From the broad examination of the Fascist colonial project in Libya to the intricate details of tourist organization and architecture, this book offers a unique historical and geographic perspective on state-driven modernization projects and notions of modernity. It is a must-read for architectural historians, colonial and postcolonial scholars, Italian studies enthusiasts, African history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in cultural studies.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the complexities of Italian Colonial Libya. Get your copy of Architecture and Tourism in Italian Colonial Libya: An Ambivalent Modernism today and embark on an intellectual journey that will reshape your understanding of colonialism, culture, and modernity.

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