Discover the captivating imperial city of Fez, an ancient gem filled with rich history and culture, and immerse yourself in the wonders of its enchanting fortified medina.
Chouara Tanner
Timeless Northern Africa
December 27, 2018
Moroccan mosaic and tiles
December 29, 2018Fez, Morocco
Chouara Tanner
Wander through the narrow medieval streets that form a captivating labyrinth, where it’s all too easy to lose yourself in the charm of the old medina, home to approximately 9,000 streets and a vibrant million residents.
My initial focus was on ancient leather tanneries. I wanted to explore where this fine, smooth Moroccan leather product is produced.
My aim was to find the Chouara Tannery, known as the world’s most prominent and oldest tannery, with a history stretching nearly a millennium. Equipped with wide-angle lenses, I set out, eager to capture its character. Following the unique scent, we finally found it, and the lively display before us was utterly stunning.
All Berber leather products are confidently made from full-grain leather, the highest standard of quality. When you choose Berber, you’re selecting the best.
The tanners use only natural resources without any artificial products or chemicals. The hides are first soaked for several days in a mixture of cow urine, quicklime, water, and salt. This process helps to break down the tough leather and loosen excess fat, flesh, and hair.
In vats, we blend water with pigeon droppings to create an extraordinary mixture. The ammonia in the droppings acts as a remarkable softening agent, making the hides wonderfully pliable. This process enables them to absorb dye beautifully, achieving an ideal softness that truly elevates the final product. It’s an exciting transformation in leather crafting!
Harness the sun’s energy on the rooftop. The lively pits overflow with natural dyes, ready to bring your creations to life.
Moroccan artisans expertly craft high-quality leather into beautiful products. Discover the market for impressive babouches (traditional slippers), fashionable shoes, elegant handbags, stylish wallets, and a variety of other fine leather accessories that demonstrate true craftsmanship.
…any thoughts…
I was truly captivated by the exceptional dedication and craftsmanship involved in creating the leather.
Everything is done manually. No modern machinery is required, and the process has stayed the same since medieval times.
Dozens of men work tirelessly beneath the scorching sun, standing waist-deep in vibrant dyes, barefoot, as they carefully tend the hides soaking in the vessels. Their dedication and skill are vital in transforming these materials into exquisite products.
I experienced some difficulties with the strong smell while observing and photographing the story. Pigeon poop produced a powerful ammonia scent that nearly overwhelmed me. I was almost ready to vomit at any moment, but it was still worth it.
I did my best with a few lenses, running through the halls, up and down the stairs, to make it manageable.
I chose to bypass the leather market and explore the lively streets of the old medina, where genuine experiences await.
I’ve just wandered through the fragrant, captivating part of the city, and now I’m eager to explore the lively markets I noticed earlier. I’m about to examine beautiful Moroccan tiles—would you like to join me on this adventure?
Infotech
Fes, the oldest imperial city in northeastern Morocco, is a captivating destination nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Established in the ninth century on the banks of the river Fez, its UNESCO-protected El Bali walled medina is a stunning testament to its rich history. Once the nation’s capital, Fes is not only the most significant medieval Islamic settlement in the world but also the second-largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, with a vibrant population of around 1.1 million. Discover the allure of Fes and immerse yourself in its timeless charm.