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The Italian Maritime Republics, especially Venice and Genoa, managed to establish colonies and trading posts throughout the Eastern Mediterranean in the 12th and 13th centuries.

My question: Was there any chance that such bridgeheads could have been gained in Moorish Spain and/or Maghreb?
I am referring to a scenario where the political situation in the East is much more stable, thus taking much of the opportunity to pocket islands and cities with impunity.
I know that there have been actions of Genoa in this area, but they seem rather short-lived in hindsight.

So do you think this only did not happen because the much more tasty treats in the East were up for grabs; or was there a deeper reason preventing this?
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