The Day Benito Mussolini Became the Protector of Islam

In 1934, following the establishment of Italian Libya, Benito Mussolini initiated policies to promote Islam, defining the local populations as "Italian Muslims of Italy’s Fourth Shore." In Africa, Mussolini built 21 mosques, established Quranic schools, restored existing ones, and developed infrastructure to support Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca. Additionally, he founded the Higher School of Islamic Culture in Tripolitania.
For these reasons, on March 20, 1937, General Italo Balbo, then Governor-General of Italian Libya, proclaimed Mussolini as the Protector of Islam in a declaration addressed to the Italian subjects in Africa. During this ceremony, Mussolini received the Sword of Islam from Yusuf Kerisc, a prominent Berber supporter of the Italian occupation against the Libyan resistance. Entering Tripolitania to the salute of cannons and at the head of a contingent of 2,600 horsemen, Mussolini reaffirmed his closeness to the Muslim population, promising "peace, justice, well-being, and respect for the laws of the Prophet."
According to Mussolini's interpretation, with the Kingdom of Italy assuming the former position of the Ottoman Empire in Libya, such a title was bequeathed to him, as he considered himself, in a way, the heir to the caliph's authority.
REFERENCES:
https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spada_dell%27islam
https://www.pliniocorreadeoliv....eira.info/LEG7%20370