 During Ottoman rule in Libya (1551–1912), Turkish settlers began to migrate to the region predominately from Anatolia, but also from other parts of the empire - such as the island of Crete.A significant number of Turks intermarried with the native population, and the male offspring of these marriages were referred to as "Kouloughlis" () due to their mixed heritage.However, in general, intermarriage was discouraged, in order to preserve the "Turkishness" of the community.