The classic cover picture of guidebooks about Morocco is the Tannerie Chouara, hidden in the Medina of Fès. As it is a rather dirty and smelly craft, the tannery is located in the outer part of the old city close to the river. The skins of various animals are first bleached here in basins and later colored in the same way. If you arrive on the right day you can see many craftsmen working between multi-color water basis. The tannery is organized as a collective, many different people work in the same space and various shops surrounding it sell the products.
Once you arrive in this region of the Medina someone will offer you to have a look at the tannery. They’ll equip you with some mint against the smell which is honestly only necessary on hot days. From different roof terraces you can have a good view on the special workspace and afterwards they’ll try to sell you some product or will expect a small tip. I wish I could ignore that the leather is the skin of various animals, but even though the products look really good I cannot ignore this fact. Once you’ve left the tannery, make your way to the street where wool and other natural fibers are dyed. You can find another tannery at Marrakech, but the one at Fès is the most impressive one so make sure to have a look.
Chouara tannery
Fès
Morocco
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