Tea holds an important place in Saharawi culture, as it is a symbol of generosity and generosity and takes a central place in people’s lives. It is surrounded by special rituals that reflect a rich heritage of traditions and customs that span decades.
The ritual of preparing Saharawi tea involves several steps and specific tools, as the tea is prepared in special utensils such as the “Maghrej”, “Ghalay”, “Chinese”, “Rabouz”, “Al-Maksara”, and “Zeef Al-Kissan”, each of which plays an important role in the preparation process. The preparation process begins with boiling the tea bristles with water, then adding sugar and stirring the mixture to create a rich foam. The tea is served in small cups, and they are served in a cascading pattern, with each cup symbolizing a different stage in life.
Desert tea has a special place in society, as drinking tea is a social act that brings together family, friends and guests, and contributes to strengthening social ties and exchanging conversations and ideas. The ritual of preparing and serving tea reflects values of generosity, hospitality and welcome, as offering tea to guests is a sign of hospitality and generosity.
With its symbolism and strong presence in people’s lives, Saharawi tea has a special place in local culture, where the values of unity, cohesion and solidarity are embodied in its preparation and serving, making it not just a drink but a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage and identity.