The Mediterranean Islands that Identify with the Arab World

posted on: Jul 20, 2020

By: Joyce Behrens/Arab America Contributing Writer

When we talk about Arab influence in other parts of the world, we tend to focus on one direction. That direction is toward neighboring countries and continents divided by the Mediterranean Sea. However, think about those small, scattered islands in the Mediterranean Sea. These are the islands that are close to the North African or Levantine region. Even those islands come close to the coastline of European countries, such as Greece and Italy. Some may have a robust, Arab heritage. Purposes of influence in these islands ranged from trading ports to military strategy. Others may have had previous Arab culture but have been replaced it with a different culture that continues to have a substantial existence today. Take a look to see which Mediterranean islands have or had a strong Arab influence.

Island #1: Arwad

The island of Arwad is located off the coast of Syria, and it faces the city of Tartus. Arwad is considered the last rampart for the Levantine region. Early Phoenician architecture surrounds the island. For example, barriers were made out of stone. Around the 15th century BCE, the Egyptian ruler, Pharaoh Thutmose III, tried to expand his power. However, that became unsuccessful once when he attempted Arwad. Since then, Arwad was a trading port in the Mediterranean Sea. Its location was one of the reasons for the island’s easy accessibility to reach other territories. When it comes to Arab influence, it continues to have an Arab presence today. Since the island is located off the coast of Syria, language, food and heritage reflect Syrian culture. 

Island #2: Cyprus

Cyprus is part of the Greek islands of the Mediterranean. In past history, the Arabs became attracted to Cyprus because of its copper supply. Palestinian settlers were the ones claiming and trading copper metal. Also, when the Phoenicians traded on the island, they introduced the alphabet to the Greeks. The Phoenicians are considered the founders of the modern-day alphabet system. Before the island became Hellenized, different groups from the Arab world had some contact in Cyprus. These groups included Egyptians, Assyrians, and even the Persians. However, this became problematic during the Archaic era. There was a division between the Arab groups and the inhabitants of Cyprus. Since the expansion of power among empires became essential, Cyprus was on everyone’s list. Eventually, future conflicts of that time forced the downfall of the Arab groups in their reigns.

Island #3: Crete

Like Cyprus, Crete did have Arab Influence before the Greeks took control. For an Islamic expansion around the 870s, Crete, for the Arabs, was used as an island fortress, for sea battles and land control. Today, most of the Arab influence is no longer visible. When the Byzantines came into power, they replaced anything and everything that had Arab heritage. However, despite the early battle history, Crete was also a part of trade. The closest Arab country that is near Crete is Egypt. Products such as olive oil, honey and weaponry were traded in Crete in exchange for specific goods from the island. For example, pomegranates, timber and unique metals originated from the island.

Last but not least… Malta

Today, the Arab influence in Malta is not as recognizable as before. There are hidden factors of the Arab culture that  are current in Malta right now. However, they are not as visible. The dialect resembles the sounds of Arabic. Yet, the language in Malta is a mixture of tones from previous settlements. One of those settlements was the Arab reign. From 870-1090, Arabs from the North African region started to claim Malta, which previously had early traces of the Byzantine empire. The primary purpose of Malta for the Arabs is military action. At the time, empires fought to expand their territories and power in order not to be demolished.

Check out our Blog here!