Why didn't the Ottomans conquer Morocco?

In a Nutshell: The Ottomans invaded Morocco (المغرب) multiple times and they were also allies of various Moroccan Dynasties too. Rival dynasties in Morocco in the 16th Century competed with the pro-Ottoman Saadians dynasty in the south and the Fez (فَاسْ) based Wattassid dynasty in the north. A series of wars were fought between the dynasties for control of the region culminating in the battle of Battle of Ksar El Kebir(القََصْرُالكَبِيرْ) where the Ottoman backed forces defeated the Northern Army backed by Portugal at the time. Although the Ottomans contributed to the final establishment of a stable Moroccan rule, Morocco was never nominally a part of the Ottoman Empire and remained independent. As the Ottoman Empire dominated Northern Africa, Morocco was the exception to that domination. The neighbors continued peaceful relations with the Ottomans until its fall. Why the Ottomans did not conquer Morocco The question of why the Ottomans did not conquer Morocco is a complex one, rooted in the intricate power dynamics and geopolitical realities of the 16th century. While the Ottomans did indeed invade Morocco multiple times and forged alliances with various Moroccan dynasties, their failure to establish direct rule over the region can be attributed to several interrelated factors. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the fragmented nature of political authority in Morocco during this period. The 16th century witnessed a fierce struggle for dominance between the Saadian dynasty in the south, centered around Marrakesh, and the Wattasid dynasty in the north, based in Fez. This internecine conflict, coupled with the involvement of external powers like Portugal, created a complex web of shifting alliances and rivalries that made sustained Ottoman control over the region a formidable challenge. Battle of Ksar El Kebir The Battle of Ksar El Kebir in 1578, where the Ottoman-backed Saadian forces decisively defeated the Portuguese-supported Wattasids, marked a significant turning point in this power struggle. However, rather than paving the way for direct Ottoman rule, this victory solidified the Saadian dynasty's grip over Morocco, establishing a stable and independent Moroccan polity that would prove resilient in the face of further Ottoman incursions. It is important to note that the Ottomans' primary strategic interests in the region were centered on securing their hold over the Mediterranean coastline and maintaining control over trade routes, rather than necessarily pursuing territorial conquest for its own sake. In this context, a stable and friendly Morocco, even if nominally independent, served Ottoman interests better than a potentially costly and prolonged campaign of subjugation. Moreover, the geographical distance and logistical challenges involved in projecting power across the vast Sahara Desert likely played a role in deterring the Ottomans from committing the resources necessary for a full-scale invasion and occupation of Morocco. The Empire's focus was increasingly drawn eastward, toward the Persian front and the burgeoning conflict with the Safavid dynasty, further diminishing the incentive for a protracted Moroccan campaign. Conclusion Ultimately, while the Ottomans exerted significant influence over the region and played a pivotal role in shaping the balance of power in 16th-century Morocco, they were content to maintain peaceful relations with the established Moroccan dynasties, recognizing the practical limitations of direct conquest and the potential benefits of a stable, independent buffer state on their western flank.