🐪 The Tanneries of Fez: A Colorful Window into Morocco’s Ancient Craft

📍 Where Are the Tanneries? The most famous tanneries in Fez are located in Fez el-Bali, the old medina of the city. Hidden behind thick walls and narrow alleys, they reveal themselves suddenly—a burst of colors and textures seen from rooftop terraces above. The most iconic and oldest is the Chouara Tannery. 🧴 What Are the Tanneries? The tanneries are open-air dyeing and leather-processing pits that have been in use for over 1,000 years. Here, artisans still follow ancient methods to transform animal hides into high-quality leather, used for bags, shoes, jackets, poufs, and more. It's one of the oldest leather production traditions in the world—still done by hand, step by step. 🎨 What You’ll See • Circular stone vats filled with vibrant dyes: red (poppy), yellow (saffron), blue (indigo), green (mint), and more • Workers standing waist-deep in the vats, treating the leather by hand • White vats used for soaking and softening hides, often containing a natural mixture of lime, cow urine, and pigeon droppings (yes, really!) • Skins drying on nearby rooftops and terraces 👃 What About the Smell? Let’s be honest: it smells strong. The tanning process is very organic and very… pungent. But don’t worry—vendors will usually hand you a sprig of fresh mint to hold under your nose while you visit. 🛍️ Can You Buy Leather Here? Absolutely! Most tanneries are connected to leather shops with rooftop terraces where you can watch the process before browsing bags, jackets, belts, slippers (babouches), and more. Be prepared to negotiate—haggling is expected and part of the fun. 💡 Travel Tips • Best views: Visit one of the leather shops around Chouara Tannery and ask to go up to the terrace. • Free entry – but shop owners may expect a tip or purchase. Ask first. • Go in the morning: That’s when the workers are most active. • Wear closed shoes: It’s not the cleanest area. • Photography: Allowed and encouraged from the terraces, but always ask if you're in doubt. 📚 Why It Matters The tanneries of Fez are more than a tourist attraction—they’re a living tradition. In a fast-paced, industrial world, it’s rare to see ancient craftsmanship still thriving. Visiting the tanneries means stepping back in time and seeing how much labor and artistry go into each leather item. 💬 Final Thought The tanneries may challenge your senses, but they’ll also leave a lasting impression. Vibrant, raw, and incredibly human—this is Fez at its most real. Don’t leave the city without seeing it