Fez, Morocco
Quarter of Fes, Morocco
The Chouara Tannery, on the Oued Fes (also called Bou Khrareb) near Seffarine Square in Fes el-Bali, is the largest and one of the oldest of the city's three tanneries, and one of the most famous sights in Morocco. Local tradition dates it to the founding of the city by Idris II in the early 9th century, although its early history is uncertain, and leather is still worked here much as it was centuries ago. From the surrounding terraces you look down on a honeycomb of round stone vats: white ones filled with lime and pigeon droppings to soften the hides, and others with natural dyes, red from poppy, yellow from saffron or pomegranate peel, blue from indigo and brown from cedar wood. Tanners stand knee-deep in the vats, working the skins by hand and foot, before laying them out on the rooftops to dry in the sun. The leather becomes the Fassi babouche slippers, bags, jackets and poufs sold around the world and in the shops around the tannery.
You see the tannery from the terraces of the leather shops around it; entry is usually free in return for a walk through the shop, with no obligation to buy, though a small tip for whoever shows you up is kind. You will be handed a sprig of mint for the strong smell. Morning is best, when the vats are full of colour and work is in full swing. Ignore people in the lanes offering to take you there for money; it is easy to find from Seffarine Square.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionFez, Morocco
