Consequently, Morocco developed under the influence of the Berber dynasties of the west, such as the Almoravids and Almohads, long before becoming a protectorate of France and Spain in the 20th century. While Morocco shares the Arab identity with its eastern neighbors, its physical separation by the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert creates a distinct regional reality that keeps it outside the core definition of the Middle East.
Morocco as a Moderate Partner: Navigating North Africa's Unique Stance
It shares the faith and some cultural norms of the east, but its physical location, historical development, and distinct cultural markers firmly place it in the Maghreb. The Arabization of the Maghreb occurred centuries before the Ottoman Empire exerted control over much of the Middle East.
The Cultural and Linguistic Landscape While Arabic is the official language and Islam is the state religion, the cultural texture of Morocco is dominated by Amazigh (Berber) heritage. This geographic proximity creates a cultural and political blend that feels familiar to anyone who has traveled through the Arab world.
Morocco as a Moderate Partner: Analyzing Its Unique Stance in the Arab World
Understanding the relationship between Morocco and the Middle East requires looking beyond religion and language to the specific historical currents that shaped a nation. The country sits at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, looking east toward the Arabian Peninsula and the lands historically defined as the Middle East.
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