Mauritania is known and appreciated in the Islamic world for its centuries-old tradition of religious scholarship. Coming to the mosque and praying is an important part of life for most people here. Religious teaching centers, mahdaras, can be found in every major city and often in smaller towns as well. Islam can be learned in Chinguetti as well as in Tichitt or Nouakchott. However, there are a few places that have already made it to fame with their names as secluded centers of religious knowledge. One of the most famous Islamic scholars of our time was the Mauritanian Murabit al-Hajj, who died in 2018 after a life of more than a hundred years. Mata Moulana, for instance, is certainly Mauritania's best-known mahdara. Hundreds of Muslims travel to this place from abroad and spend time studying Islam. Considering its reputation, people could expect Mata Moulana to be a greatly decorated palace. In fact, living conditions are quite modest. The focus is on learning alone. In Mata Moulana there is no university with seminar rooms, the studies take place on the ground. There is no road to Mata Moulana, which is located in the Trarza region about 50 km southwest of Boutilimit. Noubaghiya, another important mahdara, lies 30 km to the north. Meanwhile, however, not everyone has to make the journey into the desert. There are online courses from Noubaghiya. Our planned tours do not cover these religious sites. For tourists there is little to see and the religious teachings should not be disturbed. However, if desired, we can organize transportation, especially for Muslims an excursion is an unforgettable religious experience.
