it’s main involvement in history being there, both as an independent state and a subject/client state. I wouldn’t make that argument, though.

I know you're not making this argument, but I disagree with this as well. Medieval Egypt and Nubia were an incredibly imporant destination for African traders and caravans. After the Arab conquest, Islamic Egypt's military was run by subsaharan African slaves soldiers and administrators. It is a shame that many westerners (again, not accusing you lol) try to highlight Egypt's Mediterranean aspects and downplaying/ignoring it's African connections and heritage.