Mashreq

The Mashriq or Mashreq (Arabic: ????) is the region of Arabic-speaking countries to the east of Egypt. It is derived from the Arabic root sh-r-q (???) relating to the east or the sunrise, and essentially means "east". It is therefore the corresponding term of maghrib (????), meaning "west", which refers to the Arab countries in North Africa. Egypt occupies an ambiguous position: while culturally and linguistically closer to the Mashriq, it is often seen as being part of neither.

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These geographical terms date from the early Islamic conquests in North Africa.

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Arabic: redirect Arabic language...

Arabic-speaking: REDIRECT Arabic language...

Maghrib: Maghrib is an Arabic term for "of the setting sun"; from the root "ghuroob" ("to set"; "to be hidden"). It is also used in a manner similar to the metaphorical use of "to be eclipsed", which is used in the English language. The word "Maghrib" does not refer to a lunar eclipse. It has the following m...