Religion
Islam first started in Mauritania with the Muslim trade movement. Islam is the main religion in Mauritania. It has been the main religion ever since they got there independence in 1960. Almost of them are Sunni Muslims. There are four sunni schools of law in Islam. Mauritanians happen to follow the "Maliki Madhab". Islam is a very important part of the Mauritanian culture and almost everything is based around it. The government is based on the Islamic law. The clothing that Mauritanians wear follow the Islamic dress code. A lot of their traditions and everyday routines have some sort of relation to it.
Language
Arabic is the main language in Mauritania. The Moors speak Hassaniya, which is a dialect form of Arabic. People in the south near the Senegal River and the city of Roso also speak Pulaar, a separate african language. Some of the other languages that are spoken in Mauritania include;
- Wolof
- Soninke
- French
- Wolof
- Soninke
- French
Music
Mauritanian music mostly comes from the Moors. It's performed by a group of people called "Iggawin". These singers and musicians usually sing about great leaders and champions. Iggawin used to also carry messages and spread news to villages. Some of the instruments they use are; Tidint, Ardin, Tbel (drums), and Daghumma. some of the most popular singers are Dimmi ment Abba and Malouma.
Food
African and Arab cultures have had a big influence on Mauritania. In Mauritanian cuisine you can see influences from Moroccan and Senegalese food.
CousCous: ( Moroccan influence)Made mainly from just wheat, millet, barley, it usually includes all sorts of vegetables.
Yasa Poulet: (senegalese influence) A fancy Chicken dish, served during important events and ceremonies.
Thieboudienne: Fish, sweet potato, red sauce, chopped pepper and any other vegetables.
One of the main part of the culture in Mauritanian is it's mint tea, that is served in a very unique way.
CousCous: ( Moroccan influence)Made mainly from just wheat, millet, barley, it usually includes all sorts of vegetables.
Yasa Poulet: (senegalese influence) A fancy Chicken dish, served during important events and ceremonies.
Thieboudienne: Fish, sweet potato, red sauce, chopped pepper and any other vegetables.
One of the main part of the culture in Mauritanian is it's mint tea, that is served in a very unique way.