Introduction

Is Morocco part of Africa or the Middle East? This question often arises due to the complex interplay of geographical, cultural, and historical factors that shape Morocco's unique position in the world. Geographically, Morocco is clearly part of Africa, but its cultural and historical ties to the Arab world have led to its inclusion in the Middle East narrative. In this article, we will explore the factors that make Morocco both an integral part of Africa and a significant player in the Middle East.

The Geographical and Historical Context

Morocco, located in North Africa, has been influenced by a rich tapestry of histories, cultures, and religions. Its historical roots are deeply intertwined with both African and Arab influences, making it a unique entity in its own right.

The Islamic Conquest and Arabisation

One of the key events that shaped Morocco's cultural and religious identity was the Islamic conquest. The Islamic conquest of Morocco during the first centuries of the Hijri calendar had a profound impact on the region, leading to the spread of Islam and Arabisation. This conquest, although initially focused on stabilising Arab presence in the region, eventually resulted in a significant transformation of Morocco.

The Islamic conquest of Morocco is considered one of the major and immortal events in the history of Islam in the last third of the first Hijri century. Its decisive results changed the course of the history of the country and determined the features of its identity forever, including the spread of Islam and Arabisation. This process led to a great mixing between Arabs and Berbers in the crucible of Islam, transforming Morocco into part of the world of Islam and Arabism.

Stabilising the Arabs in Morocco

The process of stabilising Arab presence in Morocco came as an inevitable result of the Islamic conquests and the Arab mission to spread Islam to all people. Initially, this stabilisation was focused on key cities such as Cyrenaica, Tripoli, and Kairouan. These settlements played a crucial role in preventing Byzantine intrusions and protecting the spread of Islam and the Arabic language.

The first beginnings of the stability of Muslim Arabs throughout the Maghreb are dated back to the early Islamic conquests, immediately after the conquest of Egypt under the leadership of Amr ibn Al-As. This leader invaded Cyrenaica and Tripoli in the year 23 AH to secure the western borders of Egypt from the danger of the Byzantine Romans. The stability of the Arabs was initially focused in Cyrenaica, which was part of Egypt according to the Byzantine administrative division, due to its proximity to Alexandria. Their settlement was also in Tripoli on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and Tripoli was also administratively subordinate to Egypt according to some accounts.

The Emergence of Kairouan

The establishment of Kairouan in the years 50-55 AH by Uqba bin Nafi marked a significant turning point in the Arabisation of Morocco. Kairouan became the spiritual and cultural capital of the region, with its mosque becoming a centre of learning and Islamic culture. This marked the beginning of organised Arab stability in the region and solidified Morocco's place in the Islamic world.

Since then, Kairouan emerged as one of the famous Islamic capitals in the first Hijri century, alongside Medina, Mecca, Basra, Kufa, Damascus, and Fustat. This event not only reinforced the Arab presence in the region but also created a unique cultural dynamic that blended African and Arab influences, making Morocco a distinct entity in the broader African and Middle Eastern contexts.

Conclusion

Is Morocco part of Africa or the Middle East? The answer is intricate and multifaceted. Geographically, Morocco is indeed part of Africa, but its cultural and historical ties to the Arab world have led to its inclusion in the Middle East narrative. By understanding the historical context and the impact of the Islamic conquest and Arabisation, we can appreciate the complexity of Morocco's identity. Whether viewed through an African or a Middle Eastern lens, Morocco remains a unique and significant player in the global landscape.

Keywords: Morocco, Africa, Middle East, Cultural Identity, Arabisation