Mauritanian Tea Session at Istanbul Airport.. A Scene That Ignites Social Media

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Images circulating on social media have sparked widespread controversy after they showed a number of Mauritanian travelers preparing tea inside Istanbul Airport in Turkey, in a scene that highlighted the presence of local customs and traditions even in travel locations.

The widely circulated image in recent hours on social media and Mauritanian platforms shows a group of people sitting on the airport floor, gathering around tea preparation tools and some food, in a striking scene inside one of the busiest airports in Turkey.

The scene ignited social media in Mauritania, where comments varied between those who considered it an expression of Mauritanians' adherence to their customs and traditions wherever they go, and those who viewed the scene as an unusual behavior inside an international airport, especially with the use of tools for preparing tea in a space designated for travelers, and the chaos and litter that appeared. Others chose to comment sarcastically on the presence of Mauritanian tea even in Istanbul.

One commentator said: "A Mauritanian wherever he goes takes tea with him.. this is the identity that does not change," but he noted that "a tea session in an international airport gives a negative image of the Mauritanian traveler," confirming that "it could have been made in a less chaotic way."

In contrast, activist Hamoud Yassalam defended the travelers' right to practice their customs, commenting on the scene: "Very good as long as the place is kept clean and others are not disturbed; preparing tea and eating food is very normal," adding: "We are not obliged to imitate others at the expense of our customs."]

The comments were not without sarcasm, as some users felt that Mauritanian tea seems to be present with its owners wherever they go, while others criticized the image, considering it presents what they described as a "bad image" of Mauritanians, especially in an international place that receives travelers from various nationalities.

Activist Ibrahim Mahfoud stated that the traveler "does not only represent himself, but represents a community, a state, and a culture," warning that the spread of such images could lead to harassment of Mauritanians at the airport.

Tea holds a special place in Mauritanian culture, as it represents part of the rituals of hospitality and social communication, and a tea session is viewed as a deeply rooted custom in daily life.