Istila

Istila, usually written as istilāʾ (Arabic: استيلاء), is a term found in Arabic and related languages that denotes seizure, appropriation, or occupation. The root conveys taking possession of something, often by force, coercion, or authoritative power. In scholarly and legal writing, istila refers to the act or result of gaining control over land, property, or resources.

In historical and political contexts, istila is used to describe acts of military seizure, territorial occupation, or annexation by one state or group. It can also refer to the confiscation or unlawful appropriation of assets within a legal or regulatory framework. The term thus spans topics from campaigns of conquest to issues of asset control and governance.

Variants and transliterations include istilāʾ, istilaʾ, and estila, reflecting Arabic, Turkish, Persian, and Urdu scholarly usage. Spelling differences arise from differing transliteration schemes and languages, but the core meaning remains related to seizure or occupation.

See also: Occupation, Seizure, Expropriation, Confiscation, Land reform. Note that the precise meaning of istila depends on context, including jurisdiction, legal framework, and historical period.